The NHS COVID-19 National Booking Service opens for autumn COVID-19 boosters.
Do your bit is the call from the local NHS as the COVID-19 autumn booster jab programme launches this week.
In the coming weeks, care home residents, housebound patients, patients over 75 and frontline staff will be first in line to receive their top up ahead of winter.
Millions of invitations will be also landing on doormats from this week inviting people to book their appointment without delay as the NHS protects the nation from COVID-19 once again ahead of winter. The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in, with appointments beginning 12 September.
Appointments for currently eligible patients are now live on the National Booking Service and will open up for more people over the coming weeks.
All eligible groups are expected to be offered the vaccine by early December, giving those at greatest risk the opportunity to boost their immunity before winter.
A good mix of vaccination sites are part of the rollout, including GP practices, mass vaccination centres and community pharmacies, with new sites joining the programme for the winter campaign.
Eligible individuals may be offered the flu and COVID-19 jab at the same time subject to supply, with the doses approved to be co-administered.
We know this winter will be challenging for the NHS. By offering the COVID-19 booster vaccines to those most at risk, we hope to minimise hospitalisation due to COVID-19, reducing pressure on your hospitals and other health and social care services.
I would like to thank all of the invaluable NHS staff and volunteers who are once again gearing up to deliver a further vaccination programme.
Vaccines have saved countless lives and given us all the freedom and confidence back to get on with our lives so once again please do your bit to help us keep reducing the risk of serious illness”
Dr Anna Davey GP