Oldhamers urged to get winter jabs with less than two weeks until online bookings close

Christmas is coming and with less than two weeks until online bookings for COVID-19 and flu vaccines close, the NHS in the North West is urging anyone still eligible to book an appointment and get potentially lifesaving protection ahead of the festive season.

The NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be closed for flu and COVID-19 vaccine bookings from December 15, making December 14 the last day to make a booking.

There are still plenty of appointments available each week across England offering extra protection to those eligible who have not yet come forward.

As of December 1, more than 1.3 million COVID-19 and 1.9 million flu vaccinations have been administered in the North West since the beginning of the autumn campaign on September 11 – with more than a quarter of flu and Covid vaccines given together in the same appointment.

More than 920,000 people aged 65 and over in the region have received their COVID-19 vaccination, but there are still thousands more people who can safeguard their health this winter.

Hundreds of sites continue to offer the vaccines this winter, making it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way for people to ensure they and their families are protected against flu and COVID-19 this Christmas when the viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors.

It takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up the maximum defences against the viruses, so it’s important to book in early.

It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.

NHS England North West Regional Director of Commissioning and senior responsible officer for the vaccination programme, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, said: “It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online and many people have already taken up the offer this year, but with just two weeks to go until online bookings close, we’re urging those who haven’t yet come forward to do so.

“As the festive period draws close and family and friends come together to celebrate getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, family and friends.

"So don’t delay book your COVID-19 vaccination now and stay protected.

“North West NHS staff continue to deliver vaccines at more sites than ever before, and we’ve seen record numbers choosing to have their flu and Covid vaccines at the same time, making it even easier for people.”

The 119 service, which provides booking support for those unable to access online services, will also close for bookings on December 15, but it will continue answering queries until December 22.

Nationally, over four million COVID-19 vaccination appointments have been booked on the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119, and now is the time to take advantage of these platforms, which are the easiest way to book until online bookings reopen next year.

It's still possible to book your vaccinations after December 15 through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites.

However, there will be fewer Covid vaccine appointments and you may need to travel further.

People can continue booking the COVID-19 vaccine through local services until January 31.

After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.

For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after December 15, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you're 18 or over.

The free flu vaccine offer will then close after March 31.

However, getting it as soon as possible is encouraged to ensure protection over the colder months when flu is often in greater circulation.

Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus.

If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccine, usually given as a nasal spray, will be offered in schools until December 15.

Parents can call to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged 2 or 3 on August 31, 2023) or their child with certain health conditions at their GP practice until March 31.

The NHS has sent national invites via text, email, letter, and on the NHS app to eligible people over 18 since bookings opened in September to ensure no one misses out and is continuing to encourage those that are yet to come forward through the NHS marketing campaign with UKHSA and DHSC.

If you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms on the day of your vaccinations, it's advisable to rebook your appointment for when you are well.

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