Eligible South Yorkshire residents will start getting their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this week as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Booking of appointments opened on 23 September with vaccinations available from 3 October. Anyone eligible can book their vaccinations via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID-19 jab.
Eligible people will begin receiving invitations from the NHS to get their jabs, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 and primary and secondary school aged children from Reception to Year 11 will also be eligible for a flu vaccination. Flu vaccinations for children started in September for the new school year, to help stop the virus spreading, and pregnant women have been able to get their jab from 1 September.
Dr David Crichton, Medical Director at NHS South Yorkshire said: “If you are eligible for any of these vaccines I would encourage you to book your appointment now as they can be life saving for the many people who are more vulnerable to getting a severe illness from respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19.
“I understand that some people may think that COVID-19 isn’t as serious anymore but for more vulnerable people such as those aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and anyone in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women, COVID-19 and flu can be very serious.
“If you had your flu jab last winter or your COVID-19 jab in the spring it is still important to top up your protection again this winter as viruses change and protection fades over time.”
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination please visit COVID-19 Autumn Booster :: South Yorkshire I.C.B (icb.nhs.uk)