Millions to get protected ahead of winter in NHS vaccine rollout
Tuesday, 20 August 2024
Millions of children and adults across the North West will be offered COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations as the NHS sets out plans for protection ahead of winter.
The vaccines provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults being offered the COVID-19 jab.
For the first time, from September, the NHS will offer vaccines for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Flu vaccinations for children will start when the new school year begins in September, to help stop the virus spreading. Pregnant women can also get their jab from 1 September.
From 3 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for other eligible groups. People can start booking their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in advance from 23 September, with appointments running until 20 December.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said
“Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and COVID-19 and offer a great opportunity to protect lives and prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable.
“This year for the very first time, we’ll be offering the RSV vaccine to older people and pregnant women. RSV is a common respiratory virus, like the cold or flu, that can lead to very serious infections in some people, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis - an infection of the small airways of the lung.
“These viruses leave thousands in hospital every year so coming forward for your vaccinations as soon as you’re invited will help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure.”
Adult flu and COVID-19 appointments will be available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for free. Flu vaccines will also be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.