NHS trust leads Covid-19 vaccine league table
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have topped the national league table for uptake of the Covid-19 vaccination following a successful start to their annual Autumn campaign, which has seen over 109,000 people across the region taking the opportunity in just two weeks since October 1 (Wednesday).
The campaign will run until January 31 next year and a recent appeal was made to eligible adults to book their vaccination slots. These included adults aged seventy-five or over, residents in a care home for older adults and individuals aged six months or over who are deemed to have a health condition that leaves them vulnerable or immunosuppressed.
It is important to stress that this eligibility criteria has changed since 2024 as per advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Having a COVID-19 vaccination may not stop people from becoming ill but they can help keep symptoms mild, reducing pressure on hospitals throughout winter months.
Dr Michele Legg, Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and IoW Vaccination Programme, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a great response from our local community coming forward and to have their vaccinations. It is one of the best ways to help protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell.
“There are plenty of appointments available for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, including within GP surgeries, pharmacies and in midwifery services. There’s also still plenty of time to get booked in if you haven’t done so already. “You can book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119.”
Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hampshire & IOW, Neil Hardy, added: “More patients are now visiting their local community pharmacy to get vaccinated and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our pharmacists and their teams who have been working alongside GPs to ensure that those who are eligible have been able to easily receive their vaccination.”
Flu vaccinations are also available for those aged over 65 or in a clinical risk group. The vaccination programme for flu began in September for pregnant women and children aged 2 to 16 and they are encouraged to continue coming forward to get vaccinated. Two-and three-year-olds can now get vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies for the first time ever.
If you’re not sure if you or your child has a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help by calling 0300 561 0018.
There are multiple ways to get a flu or Covid-19 vaccination If people are eligible for one, although many will be invited directly via their GP practice. But residents don’t have to wait for an invitation and can book using the online National Booking System; which can be done by calling 119 or via the NHS App.
If there is any doubts or questions about whether a certain health condition makes readers eligible, they can contact the NHS Hampshire & IoW Vaccination Helpline Team on 0300 561 0018. They will be able to give callers more information and can further assist in booking an appointment if required.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Trust has topped the national league table for Covid-19 vaccination within two weeks of campaign launch.
