As the Christmas countdown begins, health experts are reminding everyone eligible for a winter vaccine to book their appointment now - to ensure they're protected over the festive period!
Around 1.2 million people in the North East and North Cumbria are entitled to a free COVID-19 booster this winter with 1.7 million also eligible for a flu vaccine.
This follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommends people aged 65 and over, care home residents, anyone in a clinical at-risk group, people who are immunosuppressed, anyone who is pregnant, people with learning disabilities and frontline health and social care workers get vaccinated.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Our winter vaccination programme has already helped protect many people, with hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccinations given so far.
"But time is running out to get your vaccine before Christmas! The offer for COVID-19 vaccinations will end on 20 December, so don’t delay.
"Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, so if you’re at risk, be wise, immunise! and make the most of the next few weeks to book your appointment while you can - no one wants to be ill and miss out on festive fun!”
COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be available to book up to 20 December at over 400 sites across the region. Anyone eligible can book:
- Through the National Booking Service
- Using the NHS App
- By calling 119
- Or, if you’re housebound or newly severely immunosuppressed, by contacting the North East and North Cumbria ICB - e-mail necsu.immunosuppressedney@nhs.net or Tel: (0191) 486 2001 Monday to Friday 9am till 4pm.
Some walk-in vaccination sites, listed on the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board website, are also available.
Flu vaccines will still be offered after 20 December, however health experts are urging people to get vaccinated well before the Christmas period, when the virus is expected to peak.
“It’s so important for everyone eligible to get protected against flu as early as possible,” added Dr Monaghan. “Flu often peaks at the end of December, so make sure you’re fully winter-protected to keep you and your loved ones healthy over Christmas and New Year.”
Flu vaccines are available for anyone aged 65 and over, care home residents, anyone in a clinical at-risk group, people who are immunosuppressed and their close contacts, anyone who is pregnant, people with learning disabilities, and frontline health and social care workers - through their GP or at a local pharmacy.
You can book a flu vaccine appointment on the National Booking Service, on the NHS App, or by calling 119.
School-age children will get a flu nasal spray vaccine at school, while parents of 2-3-year-olds can book a nasal spray appointment, for their child, at their GP practice.