South Yorkshire residents of older adult care homes and people who are housebound will start receiving their covid and flu vaccinations this week (w/c 11 September).
The winter adult covid and flu vaccination programme, which was brought forward based on the latest expert advice following the emergence of a new covid-19 variant, will prioritise those who are most at risk.
Starting with care homes and people who are housebound, other eligible groups will begin to be invited to get their top up protection ahead of winter, from next week.
The NHS will be contacting eligible people to remind them that they can get the vaccine and where to get the jab locally, with the majority of appointments being delivered in communities by pharmacies and GPs.
Anthony Fitzgerald, NHS South Yorkshire Vaccination Programme Lead said:
“We are working across the whole of South Yorkshire to deliver the covid and flu vaccines to those at highest risk from severe illness. I would encourage anyone who is eligible to get both vaccinations as soon as possible after being contacted to ensure you and your loved ones stay protected during the colder months.
“With concerns arising over new covid variants, NHS staff have worked hard to bring the programme forward to ensure services are ready for patients at an earlier stage. I would like to thank all the NHS staff involved across our region in making this happen.”
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.
People will be able to book their jabs from 18 September, through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.
Eligible groups may be offered a vaccination sooner by GP surgeries or other local NHS services. There is no need to contact your GP or the NHS, they will be in touch with you when it is your turn.
Children aged 2-17 will still be able to receive their flu vaccinations from next week. Parents are strongly encouraged to fill out their consent forms to enable their child to get protected.
The most effective vaccine for children is the nasal vaccine, which is even more convenient and easily administered when compared to a jab.