MORE than 480,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been given to people across Warrington and more than six million delivered across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Eligible residents in Warrington have been receiving NHS invitations and those who meet the criteria can book an appointment by using the National Booking Service or by calling 119. You can also find a local vaccination walk-in site – which are located across Cheshire and Merseyside although eligible residents are strongly encouraged to book ahead if they can.
Currently anyone aged 50 or over, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, frontline health and care staff, and with those who live with people with certain health conditions, as well as their carers, can book an appointment for the Autumn COVID-19 booster via the National Booking Service.
The Autumn booster vaccine covers people against the original and latest variants of COVID-19, including Omicron, and the situation is being monitored closely.
GPs, pharmacists, and hospital hubs will jab more than a million people at greater risk from the COVID-19 virus in this latest phase. Those eligible are able to book their appointment online or over the phone by calling 119.
As the booster programme continues to roll out, more people will become eligible, including people with certain health conditions which put them at a higher risk. They will also receive invites to come forward and book appointments in the next few weeks.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has also launched its annual programme of flu vaccinations, with the flu vaccine being offered to those in more vulnerable groups first. Younger children, people aged 50 or over, those in clinical risk groups, and pregnant women, are able to book an appointment for a flu vaccine at their GP practice or at a local pharmacy. Visit nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information.
Where available, people will be able to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. If this is not possible, then everyone eligible is urged to get the jabs separately, as quickly as they can.
Jayne Wood, vaccine director for Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “It is clear that we are facing a challenging winter as we are expecting continued prevalence of COVID-19 plus a resurgence in flu for the first time since the pandemic began.
“It is absolutely still the case that being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way for people to protect themselves and those around them who might be vulnerable. The same goes for the flu vaccination, so please get vaccinated if you’re eligible to maximise your overall protection and boost your immunity this winter.”
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “It’s good to see encouraging uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Warrington and across the region so far, but we need everyone who is eligible to get their Autumn booster and flu jab as soon as possible. It’s our best protection against the double threat of COVID-19 and flu this winter. Remember it is never too late to start having a course of COVID-19 vaccinations, or to catch up on missed ones, and you do not have to wait to be called, just book yourself in.
“Alongside getting vaccinated, there are some simple things we can all do this winter to help prevent the spread of bugs and diseases. Keep washing your hands often, sanitise surfaces, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and keep a distance from others if you feel unwell. It sounds so simple, but it’s vital that we all take those small steps to reduce the spread of infection this winter.”
The Autumn booster campaign is part of a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter, including increasing bed capacity and the number of 999 and NHS 111 staff to deal with additional pressure.
You can book an appointment or find your local vaccination service by using the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
