Seasonal Covid-19 vaccination offer ends in four weeks
The offer of a seasonal autumn Covid-19 vaccination ends on 15 December 2023. From today, people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) have just four weeks left to protect themselves against Covid-19, before winter. The eligibility for an autumn Covid-19 vaccine is different to the spring vaccination campaign, and local health leaders are concerned that some people may not realise they are entitled to a seasonal Covid-19 vaccine.
Those entitled to a Covid-19 vaccine before 15 December include:
- Everyone aged 65 and over.
- Household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed.
- Paid and unpaid carers.
- People aged 5 and over with underlying health conditions including chronic liver and heart conditions, severe mental illness, learning disabilities, diabetes and pregnant women.
- Health and social care staff.
- People who live in care homes and those who are housebound.
More information and full details of who can have a seasonal Covid-19 vaccine this autumn can be found at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. In addition to being invited by the NHS, people can self-declare that they are entitled to a Covid-19 vaccine by calling 119 for free or using the online national booking service at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
Dr Geeta Iyer, Clinical Lead for the BNSSG Vaccination Programme, said: “This is the shortest seasonal Covid-19 vaccination campaign that the NHS has run and we’re concerned people may not realise the cut-off date for vaccination is 15 December – in just four weeks’ time.
“In particular, some groups of people are eligible this autumn who weren’t included in the spring vaccination campaign, including unpaid carers and household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed. If you’re in one of these groups and haven’t already been invited for your vaccination by the NHS, you can self-declare using the online national booking service or by calling 119, for free.
“There are high levels of Covid-19 in circulation and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the people you care for – please don’t delay yours.”
Getting vaccinated is easy with 50 community pharmacies, GPs and community vaccination clinics offering bookable appointments across BNSSG. We also have some walk-in vaccination clinics available in BNSSG. Details of all the ways to get vaccinated can be found at www.grabajab.net. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free to book an appointment. You may be able to book your flu vaccination at the same appointment, and flu vaccines can also be booked directly through your GP practice or local pharmacy (for adults).
While flu and Covid-19 are unpleasant illnesses for most people, they can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still become very ill or die from Covid-19.