The NHS Covid vaccination programme is off to a ‘flying start’
with 2.1 million autumn boosters delivered in just over
a fortnight, and 1.35 million last week alone.
NHS chiefs are urging people to get vaccinated without delay
ahead of a potential 'twindemic' of Covid-19 and flu this winter.
Chelsea Pensioners are among those who have had their protection
topped-up ahead of winter when Covid, flu and other viruses
circulate.
NHS teams have delivered boosters at 3,800 care homes as
well as vaccination centres, pharmacies and GP practices.
So far, 2.1 million people have been boosted with a
further 1.7 million booked in to receive their jab
over the coming month.
The NHS Covid vaccination programme, the biggest and most
successful in health service history, is offering appointments at
a record 3,100 sites this autumn including
more than 2,100 community pharmacies – with over 600
walk-in sites operating as well.
Sites include a DIY store in Shepton Mallett to a converted
bus station in Towton, services have ensured getting the
latest jab as convenient as possible, with nearby
sites listed on the online walk-in finder.
The autumn booster campaign is among a package of NHS measures to
prepare for winter as the health service continues to face record
demand on its urgent and emergency care services, including by
ramping up bed capacity, increasing the number of 999 and NHS 111
staff, and working with colleagues in social care to ensure
patients can be discharged in a timely manner.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening, Steve
Russell, said: “The NHS Covid-19 booster
programme is off to a flying start with over two million people
topping up their protection ahead of winter.
“But with experts warning that Covid and flu could combine in a
‘twindemic’ there is no room for complacency.
“We are still seeing hundreds of patients with Covid
being admitted to hospital every day and getting an autumn
booster could save your life.
“So, I urge anyone eligible who is yet to get
their vaccine, to come forward and book a
jab online through the NHS website or by calling 119 as
soon as possible if you haven’t yet sorted an appointment.”
Health and social care workers, people with a weakened immune
system, pregnant women and others at greater risk from the virus
can already get their jab along with all over 65s.
The latest booster jab comes as the national NHS vaccination lead
warned that there is no time for complacency in the fight against
coronavirus.
Since the NHS made history delivering the first COVID-19 jab
outside of clinical trials to Margaret Keenan in
December 2020, more than 127 million vaccines, including
over 40 million top-up vaccinations, have been
administered.
Earlier this year, over four in five eligible people received a
spring booster and the NHS urged those people to get that dose
before the end of July to ensure enough time had passed to
optimise the protection an autumn booster would provide over
winter.
In line with JCVI guidance, the autumn booster will be
offered to around 26 million people across England over
the coming weeks - including those aged 50 and over, as well
as other clinically at risk groups – with over 65s, the
immunosuppressed and frontline health and care workers
already encouraged to come forward to get their
vaccination.
It is particularly important for people with a weakened immune
system to top up their protection and they do not need to wait to
be invited by their GP – they can book an appointment on NBS or
attend a walk in site.
80 hospital hubs have also joined the latest booster drive –
delivering the jab to members of the public as well as their own
staff and administering the flu vaccine where possible.
As with previous campaigns, people who are 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.
This month, the NHS is also rolling out this year’s flu vaccine,
with eligible people able to get their flu and COVID jab at the
same time depending on local system arrangements.
