The NHS is urging anyone eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccination to book an appointment now.
The autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme started in September, with eligible people invited to come forward and book an appointment via the National Booking System or by calling 119.
Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), those eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine have until Friday 15 December to book an appointment. After this date, vaccinations will only be available at selected locations on a walk-in basis.
People eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine include:
- those aged 65 and over
- those that are pregnant
- adults and children (aged six months and above) with certain health conditions
- care home residents
- frontline health and social care staff
- unpaid carers
- household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.
If you’re unsure if your eligible for a vaccine, you can check the NHS website here.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Our winter vaccination programme has seen almost 150,000 eligible people receive their autumn COVID-19 booster vaccine, which is fantastic.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family, which is particularly important as we approach the winter months.
“There are now only a few weeks left to book an appointment either online or by calling 119 as the offer of ends on 15 December. So, I would encourage anyone eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine who hasn’t yet come forward to book an appointment while they can.”
To book an autumn COVID-19 vaccine, visit the National Booking System here.
Appointments can also be booked via the NHS App or by calling 119. Calls to 119 are free from mobiles and landlines and the booking service provides support in 200 different languages.
Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a BSL user can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
Flu vaccines will still be available after 15 December and people can continue to book appointments via the NHS website or their local pharmacy. You can find more information about flu vaccinations on the NHS website here.
