Autumn Covid-19 booster rollout started

Care home residents and staff in the North West have become some of the first in the world to receive a new, variant-tackling Covid-19 vaccine, as part of the next phase of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme.

The autumn booster rollout started this week, with around 1.6 million of England’s care home residents, staff and people who are housebound first in line to receive their top up ahead of winter.

From today (Wednesday 7 September) anyone aged 75 and over, and those with weakened immune systems, will be able to book their own appointment for the new-style booster.

From Monday 12 September onwards, GPs, pharmacists and hospital hubs will begin giving jabs to hundreds of thousands of people at greater risk from the Covid-19 virus.

Everyone aged 50 and over, people with certain health conditions that put them at risk and frontline health and care staff are all eligible for the fully-approved jab, which targets more recent variants of Covid-19.

Letters will be posted out to people from 7 September inviting them to book their appointment ahead of winter.

Hundreds of sites will be part of the rollout in the North West, with new sites joining the programme all the time. There will be more vaccine services closer to home, being delivered by primary care networks and community pharmacies alongside outreach services that will be taking the vaccine directly into local communities.

Many additional community pharmacies are coming on board, ensuring there is sufficient capacity as well as greater local access to vaccine clinics.

Julie Kelly, Interim Regional Director of Primary Care and Public Health Commissioning at NHS England North West, said: “Winter is always a challenging time in the NHS, and this year we’re likely to have a resurgence in both Covid and flu, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you and your loved ones have the best protection from serious illness, and get up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations as well as your annual flu jab.

“Once again, staff across the NHS in the North West will work at speed to ensure that the most vulnerable to Covid-19 have the new variant-tackling vaccination. What’s more, the National Booking Service will be open, so finding a vaccination centre that is convenient will be easier than ever.

“Please come forward when you’re invited, an autumn booster will top up the immunity of those most vulnerable to Covid-19 ahead of the winter to help us continue to live with the virus.”

As with previous campaigns, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose.

The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine – you do not need to contact the NHS.

The NHS will continue to advise local sites to allow people with a weakened immune system to self-declare and attend walk-ins to make getting the extra protection as easy as possible.

Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster over the comings weeks, which includes over 50s, those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, health and social care workers and care home residents and housebound people, in line with guidance set out by the JCVI.

The NHS will also begin rolling out the flu vaccine and encouraging eligible people to take up the offer.

People may be offered the flu and Covid jab at the same time subject to supply, with the doses approved to be co-administered, but people are encouraged to get each vaccination as soon as they are invited, rather than waiting to get both at the same time.

Flu vaccinations will be offered to more vulnerable groups first.

Younger children, older people, those in clinical risk groups and pregnant women will be able to book an appointment for a flu vaccine at their GP practice or a pharmacy.

From mid-October 2022, people aged 50 to 64 years old that aren’t in a clinical risk group, will also be able to get their free flu vaccine.

People may be able to get both vaccines at the same time, although if this is not possible then everyone eligible is urged to get the jabs separately but as quickly as they can.

Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said: “We are envisaging a challenging winter, and anticipate seeing the continued spread of Covid-19 plus a resurgence in flu for the first time since the pandemic.

“We are urging everyone who is eligible for the Covid-19 booster to get it to protect themselves and anyone around them who might be vulnerable. The same goes for the flu vaccination, please get it to maximise your overall protection from what is a nasty illness that could land you in hospital, or worse.”

Jane added: “We want people in Greater Manchester to stay safe and to stay well, and we’re making the Covid-19 booster and the annual flu vaccination available to the people that need it most.

“The NHS in Greater Manchester will be here if you need us this winter; please help us to help you by getting your vaccinations done at the earliest opportunity.”