The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme autumn campaign in the North West is off to a ‘fantastic start’ with just over a quarter of a million autumn boosters delivered in just over a fortnight.

NHS chiefs are urging people to get vaccinated without delay ahead of a potential ‘twindemic’ of COVID-19 and flu this winter.

In the North West, vaccination teams have already visited around 600 care homes. Further visits are planned over the coming weeks to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected ahead of winter, when COVID-19, flu and other viruses circulate.

So far in England, 2.1 million people have been boosted, with a further 1.6 million booked in to receive their jab over the coming month across the country.

In the North West, more than 350 sites are delivering the autumn booster, including more than 300 GP practices and community pharmacies. More than 40 hospital hubs are delivering the vaccine to members of the public as well as their own staff, and also administering the flu vaccine where possible.

Vaccine sites include St John’s Shopping Centre in Preston and The Charter Walk shopping Centre, Burnley, and services have ensured getting the latest jab is as convenient as possible, with available 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 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.

Kathleen, who had her autumn booster at Jubilee House in Leyland, Lancashire said: “I came for my autumn booster when I was called. I’ve had all of my COVID-19 vaccines, including the boosters,  because I think if you can, it’s what you should do to keep yourself safe and everyone else safe.”

Sue, who has the respiratory illness COPD, went to have her autumn booster with husband Gary.

She said: “We’ve had all the jabs up to now. It was very easy to book the appointment and I’ve had no side effects from the injections. I’d recommend anyone to have the vaccine to protect themselves and others.”

NHS North West Senior Responsible Officer for the North West COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Dr Linda Charles–Ozuzu, said: “Here in the North West we are off to a fantastic start with our COVID-19 vaccination programme autumn campaign as we head towards winter.

“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by getting your autumn booster as soon as possible. If you are eligible, please book your appointment through the NHS website or by calling 119 when invited.”

Health and social care workers, people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women and carers are already being invited to book their jab, along with everyone aged 65 and over.  In line with JCVI guidance, it will be offered to around 26 million people across England over the coming weeks – including those aged 50 and over and other clinically at risk groups.

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.

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-19 jab at the same time depending on local system arrangements.