Rising to the challenge as flu and covid boosters rolled out
THE NHS in Gloucestershire have released start dates and procedures for the upcoming winter vaccination rollout.
Anyone who is eligible for a COVID booster or flu vaccination this winter will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book a slot soon.
NHS staff started on Monday, September 5, and will be vaccinating care home residents and people who are housebound, with invitations being sent to those who are eligible on a phased basis in the coming weeks.
GPS and community NHS teams across the county are offering the COVID and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter. For those concerned about receiving a vaccination, please read the following advice.
The following groups are eligible:
» residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults (COVID booster and flu jab)
» frontline health and social care workers (COVID booster and flu jab)
» all adults aged 50 years and over (COVID booster and flu jab)
» people aged 5 to 49 years with certain health conditions (COVID booster and flu jab)
» persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with a severely weakened immune system (COVID booster and flu jab)
» people who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk (COVID booster and flu jab)
» pregnant women (COVID booster and flu jab)
» two and three-year-olds (flu nasal spray); primary school and secondary school pupils up to year 9 (flu nasal spray, delivered via the school vaccination programme).
Dr Andy Seymour, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said: “We have a strong history of providing vaccinations to our residents, with our innovative Gp-led Primary Care Network community vaccination model and well-established community pharmacy offer leading the way through each phase of the COVID vaccination programme so far.
“Our incredible vaccination teams are well practiced at rolling out the delivery of vaccines quickly, and we’re confident that they will once again rise to the challenge to ensure everyone who is eligible can access a COVID booster or flu jab this autumn.
“If you’re eligible for one or both of these vaccines, it’s really important to take up the offer as soon as you’re invited to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell.”
There are several ways to access winter vaccinations in Gloucestershire:
» Via appointment at a Gp-led primary care network vaccination centre - these appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS), people will receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it’s their turn. Many people will be invited to the same local vaccination centre where they’ve had previous doses of the COVID vaccine, but in some areas, people may be able to book an appointment at their GP surgery. People may be offered their COVID booster and flu jab at the same appointment.
» Via the national booking system (COVID booster only) - some people may choose to book an appointment at one of 10 community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website ( www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119).
» At a drop-in clinic - Some drop-in clinics may be arranged as the rollout of the vaccination programme advances. Flu vaccines may not be available at all of these clinics, so please check criteria and eligibility.