Publish date: 1 October 2024
Be wise, immunise - NHS booking service opens for life-saving flu and Covid-19 vaccinations
Millions of people across the North East and North Cumbria can now book flu and Covid-19 vaccination appointments as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Anyone eligible can book a flu and Covid-19 vaccination on the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online.
As well as being able to book vaccinations directly, those eligible may also receive invitations from the NHS to get vaccinated.
From Thursday, 3 October, flu and Covid-19 vaccinations will be available for eligible groups including:
- adults aged 65 and over
- residents in older adult care homes
- anyone who is pregnant
- those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years
- frontline health and social care workers.
Flu vaccines are recommended for:
- nursery school children aged 2-3
- school children from reception to Year 11
- close contact of anyone who is immunocompromised.
Flu vaccinations for school children, delivered by school immunisation teams, began in September to coincide with the new school year - to help stop the virus spreading.
2–3-year-olds can get the flu nasal spray at their GP practice and pregnant women have been able to get their vaccine from 1 September at their GP practice, pharmacy, or regular antenatal appointment.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors, and viruses spread.
For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The vaccine, introduced earlier this month, is available to those aged 75 to 79 from their GP, and is also being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, at GP and antenatal clinics, to help protect their baby.
It is hoped this year’s vaccination campaigns will help avoid a triple threat of RSV, Covid-19 and flu during an already busy time for frontline NHS and care staff.
Flu and Covid-19 can be given at the same time as each other. RSV should be given on a different day as this helps the vaccine provide the greatest immunity.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, medical director North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "The flu and Covid-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses.
"It takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, and I would strongly encourage everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them.
"We know that these vaccinations help more people keep well and stay out of hospital during the winter months, which is especially important at a time when the NHS is expected to be under a lot of pressure. It is therefore vital that everyone eligible comes forward when invited.
"Many people who are more vulnerable to getting a severe illness from respiratory viruses like RSV, flu and Covid-19 are not aware they are at greater risk and eligible for these vaccines.
"If you are pregnant or have a certain long-term condition you should be offered the vaccines – if unsure, please speak with a trusted midwife or doctor or check online at Vaccinations - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
"Older people and younger children with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised and should also get the vaccines they are eligible for as soon as possible to ensure they are protected as we head into winter."
Frequently asked questions about the flu and Covid-19 vaccines roll-out can be found here.