Key Summary
- NHS is urging eligible people to book for winter flu vaccines
- Bookings are open now, and the service will commence on 1 September.
- A second cohort of patients will become eligible from 1 October.
The NHS is urging eligible members of the public to book their winter flu vaccinations as the national booking system opens today.
Under the phased autumn campaign, eligible groups, including pregnant women and children, can pre-book appointments ahead of vaccinations commencing on 1 September.
Invitations to those eligible are being sent via the NHS App, text message, GP surgeries, or postal letters.
The first cohort includes adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults; and individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
A second cohort will become eligible from 1 October, of adults aged 65 and over, individuals in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, frontline healthcare workers, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
The campaign launch comes at the same time as intense demand across emergency departments this summer, with July recording a record 2.5 million A&E visits during the busiest three-month period ever for the NHS.
With winter a traditionally busy time for health services, healthcare leaders have stressed that widespread flu immunisation is essential to reducing preventable winter admissions, and that this prevented an estimated 104,000 hospitalisations last year.
Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency’s Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, encouraged patients to book for their flu vaccine in good time, saying: “Whilst we’re still in summer, illnesses like flu and Covid-19 are probably the last thing on your mind, but the seasons will change quickly and with the national booking system now open, I’d urge everyone who is eligible to plan ahead and book their vaccinations as soon as possible.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper, commented: “Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our NHS over the winter months. Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified through their phone or in the post, and the system for booking appointments is now open.”
Flu vaccines will be delivered across community settings by participating local pharmacies and GP practices.
