Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
A life-saving booster jab will be available from next month for those people who are most at risk from Covid-19.
Following the updated advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS has set out plans for the next phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
An Autumn Booster jab will be offered to everyone aged 50 and over as well as those who are at highest risk from serious illness such as pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions as well as frontline health and social care workers.
Extensive planning for the rollout is underway in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the National Booking Service is set to open on 5 September to over 75s and frontline health and social care workers, with jabs being administered from 12 September.
As with previous vaccination phases, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119, as long as it has been three months since their last dose. Once the most vulnerable have booked an appointment, the remaining eligible groups will then begin to be called forward.
Flu vaccines will also be available to everyone aged over 50 from September – ensuring protection against two dangerous diseases as we head towards the autumn and winter. These will be available to book via community pharmacies and GPs.
Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “When the time comes, I would strongly encourage anyone who is invited to take up both an Autumn Booster and Flu jab, to do so as quickly as possible – it will give you maximum protection this winter. Our staff have been working very hard to prepare and a number of vaccination sites across the city and county will be able to be booked into from 5 September onwards.
“Vaccination against Covid-19 is our best defence against becoming very unwell and we have already seen what a difference this has made within our own hospitals. I would urge all those who are eligible to book in for a jab to make sure they have topped up their immunity ahead of this Winter.”
The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book a Covid-19 vaccine – you do not need to contact the NHS to arrange an appointment until the booking system has opened on 5 September. Vaccination in care homes will also take place from 5 September and these will be arranged with care homes directly.
The NHS will also be rolling out the flu vaccine from 1 September and health bosses are encouraging eligible people to book a flu jab through their GP or local pharmacy. Some eligible individuals may be offered the flu and covid jab at the same time.
