People aged 65 and over are able to book an autumn Covid booster through the national booking system from today. The NHS said it meant around five million more people can top up their level of protection against the virus ahead of the winter months.
The NHS Covid vaccine service is also now offering appointments to carers and pregnant women, with bookings able to be made online or over the phone.
It comes as Covid-19 infections in the UK have dropped to their lowest level for nearly 11 months, though not all parts of the country are showing a clear downward trend. A total of 944,700 people in private households are estimated to have had coronavirus in the week to August 28, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is the first time the figure has fallen below a million since the beginning of June.
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People aged 75 and over, the severely immunosuppressed, and frontline health and care workers have been able to book their latest booster dose since last Wednesday – with appointments starting from today. As with previous campaigns, those most at risk 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.
Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster over the comings weeks, with care homes being visited by vaccination teams.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: "There is no room for complacency in keeping Covid-19 on the backfoot, and this autumn booster will help protect those most at risk. From today those aged 65 and over, pregnant women and carers are now able to get their jab. If you are one of those eligible, it is as important as ever to get your next dose, so please do come forward as soon as possible."
Dozens of hospital hubs will also join the latest booster drive – delivering the jab to members of the public as well as their own staff and administering the flu vaccine where possible.
Those eligible for an autumn booster over the comings weeks, include over 50s, those with a weakened immune system and housebound people and pregnant women, in line with guidance set out by the JCVI.
Those with weakened immune systems are already able to self-declare and attend walk-ins to make getting the extra protection as easy as possible. Health and care workers can also book through national booking services.
From this month, the NHS is also rolling out this year’s flu vaccine, with eligible people able to get their flu and COVID jab at the same time depending on local system arrangements.
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