ELIGIBLE people in the North West – including Warrington – are to be offered a Covid vaccine from September 11 in line with the latest expert guidance on the new Covid variant.
This change follows an announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the risks presented by the new BA.2.86 variant and pre-emptive measures the NHS has been asked to take.
The adult covid and flu vaccination programmes had been due to start in October to maximise protection over the winter months, but now those most at risk including adult care home residents will be vaccinated from September 11.
The NHS has been asked to bring the programme forward and will be working quickly to ensure as many eligible people as possible are vaccinated by the end of October.
Residents of older adult care homes and those most at risk including those who are immunosuppressed will receive their Covid vaccine first.
Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will all be among the groups to be offered a Covid jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
Eligible people should wait to receive an invite from their local provider.
From September 18, the NHS will start to invite people in priority order of risk and those eligible will be able to book an appointment on the National Booking Service.
The NHS winter flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families over winter, keeping people from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.
Where people had already booked an appointment for their flu vaccination earlier in September with their local provider, these appointments can go ahead. If vaccine supply has been ordered for Covid and flu, sites can start vaccinating against both.
Wherever possible, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 should still be offered at the same time, making it easier and more convenient for people to get vital protection from both viruses ahead of winter.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccination programme for NHS England – North West, said: “Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and Covid-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter.
“In line with the latest expert advice, we’ll now be starting vaccination earlier than originally planned and NHS teams across the North West will accelerate delivery of the programme to ensure as many eligible people as possible are vaccinated by the end of October.
“Once eligible people receive their invitations, I’d urge them to come forward as soon as possible to get their vital protection against both covid and flu.”
