The NHS has issued an urgent warning for people vulnerable to serious illness from a Covid infection.
More than six million people at risk or over the age of 75 who are yet to receive their autumn booster vaccine will be reminded by the NHS ahead of the winter period. It comes as part of the NHS' largest vaccination programme in history which has already delivered over 5.5 million jabs to combat coronavirus infections since its launch last month.
Those especially susceptible to experiencing serious illness from a Covid infection include those with suppressed immune systems, are pregnant, over the age of 75, have a learning disability, or have other health issues. Now, the NHS is reminding people that fall in this group to book their Covid jab as soon as possible.
Read more: Coronavirus hospitalisations more than double in a week as experts warn of new wave
NHS medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The threat of a Covid-19 and flu season creating a 'twindemic' this winter is real, as infections levels continue to rise and the number of people in hospital with covid climbing by more than a third in just over a month across England. Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers we have already delivered more than five million doses in four weeks with hundreds of thousands of people booking their vaccine every day, but we know that there are still millions of people who have yet to take up the offer.
“If for any reason you have not yet been able to get your autumn booster, I would strongly urge you to come forward as soon as possible and get protected – the vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from covid this winter.”
Those at risk of serious illness will able to self-declare, meaning that they won't need to wait for an invite to get the jab and will simply be able to attend a walk-in site or book in online at one of over three thousand sites across England. Meanwhile, reminders will be sent out via a mix of emails, letters and texts from Monday, October 10.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell, said: “While we have already delivered over five million autumn boosters - which is fantastic progress and testament to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers – there are millions more eligible for the life-saving dose still to come forward. This weekend we are urging all those eligible to get their Covid-19 autumn booster to maximise their protection against the virus, as soon as possible.
“NHS staff continue to pull out all the stops to make sure that happens with thousands of vaccine sites open across the country, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of getting your booster dose as soon you are invited – it is best protection for you, your family and your community this winter.”
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around one in 50 people in England had covid in the week ending September 26 - an increase of a quarter - with more than 9,500 patients in hospital with the potentially life-threatening virus. In response, the NHS has begun to prepare for increased hospital admission throughout winter by increasing bed capacity and call handlers for 999 and NHS 111.
Public Health and Mental Health Minister Dr Caroline Johnson said: “It is fantastic that over five million eligible people have already received their Covid booster, thanks to the hardworking NHS staff and volunteers helping get jabs in arms and boosting immunity. With winter approaching and Covid cases continuing to rise, it is crucial that everyone who’s eligible gets both their booster and flu jabs as soon as they can so they and their loved ones are protected.”
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