South Yorkshire health chiefs are urging anyone still eligible for covid and flu vaccines to book an appointment now as online bookings will soon close.
The NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be closed for covid and flu vaccine bookings from 15 December, making 14 December the last day to make a booking.
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said:
“Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves against ill health this festive season when the viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors. If you haven’t yet taken up the offer now is the time to do so as nobody wants to be unwell at Christmas.
“With covid and flu 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.
“I have had both my covid booster and my flu jab. It only takes a few moments to book and with online bookings closing soon I would urge anyone who hasn’t come forward yet to do so now.”
You can book your vaccines up until 14 December through the NHS website www.nhs.uk, the NHS App or by calling 119.
The 119 service, which provides booking support for those unable to access online services, will also close for bookings on 15 December, but it will continue answering queries until 22 December.
It’s still possible to book your vaccinations after 15 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer covid appointments, and you may need to travel further. Local NHS vaccination services in South Yorkshire will be listed here on the NHS South Yorkshire Your Health webpage soon.
People can continue booking the covid vaccine through local services until 31 January. After that, covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 15 December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS Flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over.
The free flu vaccine offer will then close after 31 March. However, getting it as soon as possible is encouraged to ensure protection over the colder months when flu is often in greater circulation.
Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.
The flu vaccine, usually given as a nasal spray, will be offered in schools until 15 December. Parents can call to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023) or their child with certain health conditions at their GP practice until 31 March.