Published on: 2 October 2024
The vaccination programmes are set to start from Thursday 3 October 2024, with appointments available to book now.
Similar to last year, those eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccine include:
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- people who live in a care home for older adults
- people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
- frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older adults
- pregnant women.
The flu vaccine is also available to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling 119.
To make getting jabs easier and closer to home for as many people as possible, dozens of NHS Community Pharmacies and GP practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be offering COVID-19 and flu jabs: Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The NHS winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families as the colder weather approaches, keeping people from becoming seriously ill and reducing their risk of needing hospital treatment.
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Will Taylor said: “We want to protect as many people and families as possible. Vaccinations are our best defence against COVID-19 and flu and we are making every effort to be ready for winter.
“It can be easy to become complacent, however it’s important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
“It is safe and effective to receive the flu and COVID-19 jabs at the same time. There is no need to delay getting one or the other – getting your seasonal vaccines is vital so book yours in as soon as you can and encourage your eligible friends and family to do so too.”
To make getting jabs easier and closer to home for as many people as possible, dozens of NHS Community Pharmacies and GP practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be offering COVID-19 and flu jabs: Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
