The roll-out of Covid-19 and flu vaccines for older adults, care home residents and people with long term health conditions is under way as the local NHS drive to protect against a triple virus threat this winter steps up.
Those eligible have been able to book appointments since Monday 23 September and with hundreds of thousands of slots still available, anyone eligible can book via the NHS website, the NHS app or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk in sites available to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
The NHS has already invited more than 11 million people to come forward and GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines, but those who are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.
Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women started on 1 September to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned.
The RSV jab is also available to those aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their child, with evidence showing it could prevent thousands of A&E attendances, hospital admissions and serious cases this winter alone.
New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that over the past two winters there have been at least 18,000 deaths associated with flu and over 19,500 deaths associated with Covid-19.
People who have been vaccinated are also less likely to miss important dates in the calendar such as family events, school trips and holidays.
Elaine Clancy, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS in south west London, said: “Every year we unfortunately see many of those at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter viruses not getting their vaccines, with many ending up in hospital and some tragically dying.
“So, if you’re invited, please don’t delay – get vaccinated against the triple threat of Covid, flu and RSV. And if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or have any concerns please do speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist.”
John Byrne, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS in south west London, said: “If you qualify, please take up the offer of vaccination to boost your protection ahead of winter, when respiratory viruses that at worst can be deadly are usually at their peak.
“Not only can vaccines save lives, they can reduce hospital admissions and ease the pressure on the NHS and in the run-up to winter getting jabbed is one of the simplest things that can be done to stay well and help ensure you don’t miss important dates like a landmark celebration or a trip away with family or school.”
Flu season usually peaks in December and January so starting adult vaccinations from October ensures those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
In south west London, small grants are being awarded to help local organisations talk to communities about health and wellbeing this winter. The Winter Engagement Fund gives money for activities and events that connect with local people – topics include vaccinations, using local pharmacies and the NHS app.
This comes after small grants were provided to a host of community organisations to promote children’s vaccinations over the summer. Before that community outreach work was done, with community champions and street ambassadors going out and about in areas of low uptake to listen to concerns and explain the benefits of the MMR jab and other childhood immunisations.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, people eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 1 September:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
From 3 October:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers and voluntary managed hospice providers
- Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants.
People eligible for an autumn Covid-19 booster are:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- anyone aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
- frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults.
To book a Covid-19 vaccination:
Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
To book a flu vaccination at a pharmacy:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination