With the colder weather just around the corner, some might be thinking about getting their next booster vaccine to protect themselves against the inevitable rise in covid cases this winter.
In preparation the NHS has announced safety measures, including the rollout of the autumn booster campaign as the UK vaccination programme moves into its next phase. This means around 1.6m people will be eligible for an autumn top-up dose, with many more asked to come forward over the coming weeks.
Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster over the next few weeks. These include those over the age of 50, people with a weakened immune system, health and social care workers, care home residents and housebound people.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson under fire for 'horrific' comment in final speech as Prime Minister
Most people are expected to be offered a new ‘bivalent’ vaccine, which has been developed to protect against the original strain of coronavirus as well as the Omicron variant. The updated booster vaccine made by Pfizer/BioNTech was approved earlier this month after it was found to meet the UK regulator’s standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
People should expect to be offered an appointment between September and December, with those at a higher risk being called first.
The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine - you don’t need to contact the NHS. Invitations will be landing on doormats from September 7, urging people to book their appointment without delay.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Once again, the NHS is kicking off a lifesaving vaccination campaign to protect the nation ahead of winter, starting with those most vulnerable to serious illness and hospitalisation from covid and flu.
“NHS staff have been working incredibly hard to prepare for the latest phase of the covid vaccine rollout – the biggest and fastest in our 74 year history – with a record number of sites in local communities set to offer vaccinations to millions of people.
“When the booking service opens on Wednesday, don’t delay – the best way to protect yourself from serious illness this winter is to get the vaccine when invited to do so, as well as your annual flu jab if eligible."
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: "The autumn booster campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter as the health service continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency care services, including by ramping up bed capacity, increasing the number of 999 and NHS 111 staff, and working with colleagues in social care to ensure patients can be discharged in a timely manner.
READ MORE:
New covid app 'more accurate than lateral flow test' detects virus in your voice
Millions set to have £3,000 'wiped' from bank accounts amid cost of living crisis
Residents fear 'speeding' scrambler bikes will 'end in disaster'
Common covid symptom in vaccinated people who test positive
Dad choked to death flat after woman spotted crawling naked and covered in blood
