The NHS winter vaccine rollout has kicked off, with people in care homes and those who are housebound eligible to receive both their Covid and flu jabs from Monday 11 September.
This winter’s vaccination programme began earlier than planned after the discovery of a new variant of Covid in the UK, known as BA.2.86, or Pirola.
While the variant has not been classified as one “of concern”, scientists have said that it carries a high number of mutations and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring it closely.
Am I eligible for the new Covid booster in autumn 2023?
A limited number of Covid vaccines will be on offer this autumn, with Covid vaccines unavailable for purchase by the general public.
As the risk of severe Covid continues to be strongly associated with increasing age and underlying health conditions, the following groups will be eligible for the Covid booster vaccine:
- Residents in care homes for older adults;
- All adults aged 65 years and over;
- People aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, such as diabetics, pregnant people, those with immunosuppression, chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, and chronic neurological diseases. Click here for a comprehensive list;
- Frontline health and social care workers;
- People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression;
- People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers, and staff working in care homes for older adults.
How can I book my Covid or flu jab?
The NHS will invite eligible individuals to get their Covid jab.
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery. You can also book online to get a flu vaccine from a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS. Some pharmacies may also offer walk-in NHS flu vaccination. Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it.
The NHS is encouraging eligible people to get both the Covid and flu vaccinations as soon as they can and not delay, due to the risk of the new Covid-19 variant and ahead of the winter period.
They add that it is important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid before, as immunity wanes over time and these viruses change each year.
What has the NHS and UKHSA said about Covid vaccines and flu jabs?
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “The NHS flu and Covid vaccination programmes have been very effective in protecting those at greatest risk and we will work at speed to ensure they are protected once again this year, starting with care homes and those who are housebound today.
“With concerns arising over new Covid variants, it’s vital we adapt the programme and bring it forward for those most at risk, and so I strongly urge everyone eligible to come forward as soon as they can for this important protection in colder months.
“NHS staff have worked hard to ensure services are ready for patients to get jabbed at an earlier stage so they can get their protection as soon as possible”.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: “Older people and those in clinical risk groups remain at highest risk of serious illness from Covid-19.
“The rollout of this year’s autumn booster begins in care homes today, with more eligible groups being invited to get protected over the coming weeks.
“The vaccine continues to provide the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from Covid-19, so please make sure you get vaccinated when offered and encourage loved ones who are eligible to do the same”.
