THE ROLLOUT of Covid and flu vaccines for older adults, care home residents and those with long term health conditions has started across the North West.  With more than 2.8 million people eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and 4.2 million people eligible for flu vaccination, the NHS is aiming to protect against a ‘tripledemic’ of viruses this winter.

Those eligible have been able to book appointments since Monday 23 September and with 230,000 slots still available across the region, anyone eligible can book in 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.

Across the country, the NHS has already invited over 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 that 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.

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.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West, said:  “The winter vaccination programme offers vital protection to people who need it most.  It saves lives, but also it helps the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and easing pressure on services that are already incredibly busy.

“People with certain long term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants and older people are among those eligible for some or all of these life saving vaccines.

“If invited, please don’t delay – get the vaccines. And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns please speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist.”

Earlier this week, new figures from UKHSA showed that over the past two winters nationally there have been at least 18,000 deaths associated with flu and over 19,500 deaths associated with Covid-19.

Tricia Spedding, NHS England – North West Head of Public Health said: “In recent years, we have had thousands of deaths associated with flu and Covid.  We know this is something that vaccines are proven to help reduce and with winter fast approaching, where these viruses hit their peak, it is vital that anyone eligible for a vaccination, takes up the offer as soon as they can.

“We have over 230,000 appointments available in the coming week alone, with GP practices, pharmacies and other NHS teams offering quick and easy access to appointments, so if you have not booked yet then please do using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”   

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those 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, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• persons 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