NHS celebrates successful start to vaccine campaign
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have announced that over 100,000 people have taken up the offer of a free Covid-19 vaccination during the first week of its Autumn campaign; which was formally launched across the region on October 3 and continues to run throughout these coming weeks.
It means that these people are now one step ahead of Covid-19 and other winter respiratory illnesses given an increase in cases over recent weeks. Appointments have been held at local GPs and Pharmacies, whom have also been able to offer the flu vaccination to eligible people.
This marks a huge success and the NHS have reminded people that there are still thousands of appointments available for vaccinations. These can be booked by visiting the NHS website or downloading the NHS App whilst people may call 119 for free if they cannot access the internet.
Doctor Matt Nisbet, Hampshire GP and clinical lead for vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said in a comment: “It’s great to see such a fantastic response from people to come forward and have their vaccinations just within this first week. There are thousands of appointments available for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, including within GP surgeries, pharmacies and in midwifery services.
He continued to outline there was “also still plenty of time to get booked in if you haven’t done so already. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell over the winter months.”
Eligible residents for the Covid-19 booster include those in a care home for older adults and all frontline staff / care workers in these facilities. People within a clinical risk group and aged from six months to 64 years are also eligible, alongside every adult over the age of sixty-five years in age.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation have further issued official advice on the eligibility groups for the flu vaccine. This includes everybody aged over 65, those in long stay residential care homes, frontline workers in health / social care settings, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals. Those aged from 18 to 64 years old in clinical risk groups are eligible alongside carers in receipt of carers allowance or those who are the main carer of elderly / disabled people.
The NHS will be sending out reminders to those eligible to get their jabs, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer the vaccines. More information about the vaccination programmes, safety and who is eligible can be accessed via this link.
The HIOW Covid Vaccination Helpline is further available on 0300 5610 018 and must only be used for questions relating to the Covid-19 vaccination. This is open between 9am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays, whilst calls can also be made from 9am to 1pm on both Saturdays and Sundays.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Woman receives a vaccination from NHS staff member in photograph taken on October 4; which was the third day of Autumn campaign.
