People have just days to get a Covid booster jab if they want to be fully protected in time for Christmas. The vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective after the injection.
People who are eligible are also urged to have a flu jab - with some providers offering both at the same time. England’s most senior doctor is urging the public to check if they or a loved one are due a covid jab this winter because they have a condition that may put them at risk of serious illness.
England’s top doctor, Professor Sir Stephen Powis is calling on the public to check whether they or a loved one are eligible due to an existing condition and reminding people that they can self-declare to get a top-up jab through the National Booking Service or their GP.
People are able to get the booster because they are considered at risk by the JCVI. This includes pregnant women, people who have a learning disability or severe mental illness, or another condition that makes them eligible, such as blood cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and asthma, among other chronic conditions.
Around 6.4 million people are eligible for the jab because of a medical condition and while the NHS has now invited everyone, people are also able to self-declare if they think they should have been invited or, for example, because they have only recently become eligible.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: ““The NHS is now urging everyone to check whether they or someone they know meets the criteria – and to go on to the National Booking Service and self-declare if they are yet to do so – it could be the best gift you give a loved one this Christmas”.
It takes up to 14 days to get maximum protection from a booster dose and with Christmas fast approaching, healthcare leaders are asking the public to act now ahead of the festive period.
So far more than 16 million people have had a covid booster while 18 million have had a flu jab.
More than seven in 10 (71%) people considered severely immunosuppressed have had a top jab.
Carers and household contacts of anyone with a weakened immune system are also able to get a booster jab on the NHS, in addition to everyone over 50 and health and social care workers.
People are able to declare their eligibility online via the National Booking Service or use a previous invite to get their vaccine as long as it has been 91 days since their last.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “It is so important that anyone who is considered to be at risk or has a weakened immune system, as well as their household contacts and carers, gets a covid booster in order to protect themselves and also the people they care for or live with especially as we head into the busy festive season, which we all want to enjoy in a safe way.
“So please check if you are not sure whether you are eligible – 350,000 people have already self-declared and you can too if you are in a category due a jab but yet to come forward – give yourself the gift of a covid-free Christmas and New Year”.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “Our winter vaccines will top up the immunity for those most at risk this winter – helping to prevent serious illness and hospitalisations.
“While we’re making great progress with more than 16 million autumn boosters delivered so far, it is vital all those eligible are protected. It’s also vital those eligible for their free flu jab come forward as well this winter.
“If you’re contacted to come forward for your Covid vaccine, please do not hesitate to book your appointment as soon as possible, and if you’re unsure always check with your GP”.
It comes as the NHS is also reminding people to get their flu jab as hospitalisations continue to rise – more than 800,000 parents of under-fives have also been reminded to get their children vaccinated with 20 times as many as children hospitalised with flu last week compared to a year ago.
Who is at increased risk from COVID-19?
People aged 16 years and over:
- a long-term lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma (if you need steroid tablets) or cystic fibrosis
- a long-term heart condition, such as congenital heart disease, chronic heart failure or atrial fibrillation
- long term kidney disease (CKD) stage 3, 4 or 5
- a severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis
- a long-term problem with the brain or nerves, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or a stroke or transient ischaemic attack
- severe or multiple learning disabilities (or being on the learning disability register), such as Down’s syndrome
- diabetes or another hormone disorder, such as Addison’s disease
- a weakened immune system, due to a medical treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy), a condition (such as leukaemia), or from having an organ or bone marrow transplant
- problems with the spleen, having no spleen or having a condition that can affect the spleen (such as sickle cell disease)
- being severely obese (having a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or above)
- a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- being pregnant (all stages)
- living in a long-stay nursing and residential care home as a younger adult.
Children aged 5 to 15 years:
- a long-term lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma (if you need steroid tablets) or cystic fibrosis
- a long-term heart condition, such as congenital heart disease or chronic heart failure
- a long-term condition of the kidney, liver or digestive system
- a long-term problem with the brain or nerves, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, an inherited condition or autism
- severe or multiple learning disabilities (or being on the learning disability register), such as Down’s syndrome
- diabetes or another hormone disorder, such as Addison’s disease
- a weakened immune system, due to a medical treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy), a condition (such as leukaemia), a genetic condition or from having an organ or bone marrow transplant
- problems with the spleen, having no spleen or having a condition that can affect the spleen (such as sickle cell disease)
- a serious genetic condition that affects multiple systems in the body, such as mitochondrial disease
- being pregnant (all stages)
- living in a long-stay nursing and residential care home as a younger adult.
From December 5, the flu vaccination programme will also be open to secondary school pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. For more information about where and how to get your vaccinations go to GetMyJabGM.co.uk or ring 119 for your nearest vaccination centre.
