NHS urges eligible residents to receive Covid vaccines

By Priya Mistry

NHS HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT have confirmed that almost 900,000 appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations are now available under a new campaign; which launched earlier today (October 3) and urges residents to book in order to help “stay well” during the cold winter months.

Recent data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that cases in England rose by 31.5% in the week leading up to September 18 (Wednesday). Experts are also worried about the new NEC variant first found in Germany, which is highly transmissible and proving to be a dominant strain.

A new winter campaign has therefore been launched to encourage eligible residents to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations alongside flu protections; which is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of winter respiratory illnesses, reduce NHS pressures, and help keep symptoms mild for the majority of people.

Dr Matt Nisbet, Hampshire GP and clinical lead for vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, commented on the campaign as he said: “In this country vaccines have a solid safety record and inarguably are one of the best ways to protect yourselves from illnesses.  As we prepare to enter the colder months, we know respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 become more common.”

“Symptoms can range from feeling quite unpleasant for some people right up to hospitalisation for others which is something we want to avoid. These vaccinations provide vital protection, helping to prevent serious illnesses and reduce hospital admissions during the busy winter months.  It is also safe to have both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in one appointment, which can save you time by only attending one appointment.”

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.

This follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, who have also issued 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.

A particular priority for the NHS this year is ensuring that pregnant women are vaccinated as they are at risk of complications of both COVID-19 and flu but may not see themselves as being in a clinical risk group. Figures show that thirty-eight percent of pregnant women came forward to receive their vaccinations, compared to 51% back in 2021 as the country exited lockdowns.

With this in mind, pregnant women and children aged 2 to 16 were the first to be offered the vaccination during September as part of an earlier campaign. Women who are over 28 weeks pregnant are also being invited to have their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, as well as people aged between 75 and 79 years old.

People can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccine via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, whilst they can call 119 free if they cannot get online. In addition, the NHS will be sending out invitations 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 PIXABAY: Stock photograph showing Covid-19 vaccinations in large bottles as residents urged to book appointments if eligible.