The NHS will begin the next phase of its Covid vaccine programme from today (September 5) which it claims is the 'largest and fastest vaccine drive in health service history".
Around 1.6 million care home residents and people who are housebound will begin to be offered the next generation of Covid booster vaccine. Then, from September 12, the NHS will invite those who are most susceptible to serious illness from Covid infection and those aged over 75 to book an appointment to receive the booster vaccine.
Similar to previous vaccine programs, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called first to receive the vaccine by either booking online or by dialling 119 for as long as it has been three months since their last dose. The NHS will also continue to advise vaccine sites to allow immunosuppressed patients to self-declare and attend walk-ins.
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A wider programme will be rolled out later in the autumn for around 26 million people across England for people eligible for the autumn booster. The NHS claims that as many as 3,000 sites are expected to take part in the rollout, including GP practices and community pharmacies.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “The NHS was the first healthcare system in the world to deliver a COIVD-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials, and will now be the first to deliver the new, variant-busting vaccine when the rollout begins at the start of September. Our fantastic NHS staff have worked incredibly hard to deliver 126 million doses to date and behind the scenes they have once again been preparing to deliver the latest phase with the same speed and precision as we have had throughout the rollout.
“When the time comes, I would strongly encourage anyone who is invited to take up both an autumn booster and flu jab, to do so as quickly as possible – it will give you maximum protection this winter”.
Despite a new generation of vaccines being made available, the JCVI and MHRA have stressed that the original vaccines continue to provide sufficient protection and are still urging people to come forward regardless of which vaccine is offered.
NHS director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “This winter will be the first time we see the real effects of both COVID and flu in full circulation as we go about life as normal – and so it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward for the latest jab in order to protect themselves. We know that our GPs and community pharmacies have been integral to the success of the NHS Vaccination Programme due to their locations and relationships with local communities, and so it is fantastic that so many have opted to be part of the latest phase of the campaign.
"The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to get an autumn booster and will be inviting the first people outside of a care home to book in ahead of the formal rollout in early September – please book in as quickly as possible when invited to give yourself protection this winter”.
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