The NHS is urging those eligible for vaccination to come forward
without delay before the National Booking
Service closes this Thursday
(19th December).
Latest data shows over half a million vaccinations for flu and
COVID-19 have now been booked in the last five weeks alone, with
the NHS today making a “last chance saloon” call with just three
days left to pre-book a vaccine appointment.
This comes as NHS bosses warned of an earlier-than-usual wave of
flu and seasonal viruses which has led to a 70% increase in flu cases in
hospital across just 7 days, as the health service heads into
winter busier than ever, with the latest data showing
record A&E attendances and elective appointments.
When the online booking services close, it will be more
challenging for many to protect themselves against this infection
surge.
From 20th December, you will no longer be able
to book winter vaccinations
online or via NHS 119, however, you can still
visit a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination
site or find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine, but
you may have further to travel further.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines help to protect those at greater
risk against severe illness and hospitalisations.
Latest data shows NHS staff have delivered a staggering 28
million vaccinations so far.
Still, with the latest data for flu showing a 38% increase in
hospital admissions and an 80% increase in ICU admissions, there
is still concern of a “quad-demic” impacting services this
winter.
You can still call 119 free of charge if you need help finding
sites still offering winter vaccinations.
Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer and National
Director for Vaccinations and Screening at NHS England,
said: “The NHS is heading into winter busier than
ever before, and with a worrying, earlier-than-usual surge in
seasonal viruses being seen, we're now urging people to get
vaccinated before it becomes less convenient on the 20 December.
“Vaccination is our best protection against the viruses that
derail the things that we want to do, including starting our
all-important New Year's resolutions and seeing friends and
family in the new year. It can also have a significant impact on
our loved ones working in jobs that don't provide sick pay.
“With just three days to go, we are now in the last chance saloon
to book extra protection against ‘festive flu' via the online
service. It's important to remember that after Thursday, you may
have to travel quite a bit further to get jabbed, with
appointments no longer in as convenient places like supermarkets
or car parks.
“So, as our autumn vaccination programme closes, it's important
to come forward and get jabbed for yourselves and your loved
ones.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention said: “Flu cases are
putting a lot of pressure on the NHS, so it's vital those
eligible for the vaccine come forward to protect themselves and
their loved ones.
“We've already seen around 28 million jabs delivered
for flu, Covid and RSV, but we know there's more to do.
“The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones is to
get vaccinated – book your flu jab today and protect yourself
over the festive season.”
Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA,
said: “With rates of flu increasing and winter vaccine
uptake not yet reaching the high levels we aim for in some
groups, it is vital that those eligible take up the free flu and
COVID-19 vaccines before Christmas. Taking up the vaccine
will prevent putting your seasonal plans in jeopardy – and more
importantly, prevent the risk of severe illness and
hospitalisation.”
All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the
COVID-19 and flu vaccines and encouraged to protect themselves
and those they care for.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and
Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this
year include:
- 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
- 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, voluntary managed hospice providers
and those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or
personal health budgets, such as personal assistants.
