Final few weeks to get 'winter protected'
The NHS is urging anyone eligible, who has not yet come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination, to book an appointment now.
Around 1.2 million people in the North East and North Cumbria are entitled to a free COVID-19 booster this winter.
This follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which includes people aged 65 and over, care home residents, anyone in a clinical at-risk group, people who are immunosuppressed and their household contacts, pregnant women, people with learning disabilities, health and social care workers and carers.
Dr Janet Walker, primary care advisor for the North East and North Cumbria COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said:" Our winter vaccination programme has already seen more than 581,568 people receive their COVID-19 booster - more than 45.7% of those eligible.
"However, there are now only a few weeks left to get protected before the Christmas holidays as the seasonal offer for COVID vaccines will come to an end on 15 December.
"The COVID-19 vaccine continues to provide the best possible protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from Coronavirus so, if you are at risk, please 'be wise, immunise' and make the most of the weeks ahead by booking an appointment while there is still time."
Appointments will be available to book up to 14 December at many sites across the region.
Anyone eligible can book:
- Via the National Booking Service
- through the NHS App
- or by calling 119
- by contacting the North East North Cumbria call centre if you are housebound or newly severely immunosuppressed - Email: necsu.immunosuppressedney@nhs.net or Tel: (0191) 486 2001 Monday to Friday 9am till 4pm.
Limited walk-in vaccination availability is also listed at Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and on the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) website at: https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/our-work/workstreams/health-and-prevention/covid-19-and-flu-programme/covid-19-and-flu-walk-in-vaccination-clinics/
Flu vaccines will still be available after 15 December, however health experts are urging people to get vaccinated early, well before the Christmas period, when the virus is expected to peak in the population.
"It's really important for anyone, who is eligible, to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible," added Dr Walker.
"We often see a peak in flu cases around the end of December so please make sure you are fully 'winter protected' as soon as possible to avoid the virus spoiling your and your family's Christmas and New Year celebrations."
Flu vaccinations for over 65s, pregnant women, and people in the clinical at risk are available through their GP or high street pharmacy or they can book online at Find a walk-in flu vaccination site or by calling 119.
School age children will be offered vaccination through their school age vaccination service.
Parents of 2- to 3-year-olds can get the flu vaccine, for their children, by calling their GP Practice.