Find out about the vaccinations on offer this winter across Hertfordshire to protect people against flu and COVID-19
Background
The vaccination programme will start earlier than in previous years as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.
From 11 September, millions of eligible people will now be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents of older adult care homes, front-line health and social care staff and those most at risk, including those who are immunosuppressed, will receive their COVID-19 vaccine first.
From 18 September, the NHS will start inviting people in priority order of risk. Those who are eligible for a vaccine will be able to book an appointment on the National Booking Service.
Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will also be among the groups to be offered a COVID-19 jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster?
This autumn, the following groups of people will be eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine:
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- Residents in a care home for older adults, and some other residential facilities
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Those aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
Who is eligible for the flu vaccination?
This autumn, the following groups of people will be eligible for a flu vaccine:
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Pregnant women
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11)
If you are eligible for both vaccines, you will probably be offered both at the same time. It is safe to have two vaccines at once and is recommended by vaccine experts to make it easier and more convenient for people to get vital protection from both viruses quickly.
Where can I have my vaccinations?
(The following is taken from Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System’s website)
There will be a wide range of locations for people to have their flu vaccination and their COVID-19 booster vaccination this autumn.
Most GP practices will be working together in local areas to give vaccinations to those who are eligible. If your GP practice has contacted you offering a flu vaccination, a COVID-19 booster, or both, please take up the invitation as soon as you can. Vaccination teams are prioritising vaccinations for care home residents and their housebound patients to make sure these vulnerable patients are protected as soon as possible.
If you can’t attend your practice’s planned clinics, or wish to go somewhere else for your vaccinations, you can:
- Book a flu jab at a pharmacy – drop in to your local pharmacy to ask. Flu vaccinations are free for those eligible, and available at a small cost to everyone else
- Book a COVID-19 booster jab at a venue near you using the online booking service: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine or by calling 119. The booking website will open on 11 September with appointments available from 18 September.
Use this link for updated and more detailed information from Herts and West Essex about the upcoming vaccination programme across Hertfordshire.
Further information
Find out more from the NHS about the vaccination programme here
