Grab a jab before Christmas

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to get winter jabs in time for Christmas.

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

It’s still possible to get your winter vaccinations after 15 December until 31 January 2024 via walk-in sites or by booking through local NHS vaccination services like pharmacies. However, there will be fewer Covid vaccine appointments and you may need to travel further.

There are still plenty of appointments available each week at sites across the Cheshire and Merseyside, offering extra protection to those eligible who have not yet come forward. Walk-in availability for community pharmacies is updated daily on the NHS walk-in finder, opening times for all other clinics, including the Living Well Bus, can be found at www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

As of 1 December, more than 530,000 COVID-19 and 700,000 flu vaccinations have been administered in the Cheshire and Merseyside since the beginning of the autumn campaign on 11 September – with a third of flu and Covid vaccines given together in the same appointment.

More than 366,000 people aged 65 and over in Cheshire and Merseyside have received their COVID-19 vaccination, but there are still thousands more people who can safeguard their health this winter.

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.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online. 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.”

Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “NHS staff across Cheshire and Merseyside continue to deliver vaccines at sites across the region, including Primary Care Networks (PCNs), walk-in clinics, local pharmacies and onboard the Living Well Bus. 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 15 December, but it will continue answering queries until 22 December.

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.

People can continue booking the COVID-19 vaccine through local services until 31 January. 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 15 December, 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 31 March. 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 15 December. Parents can call to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023) or their child with certain health conditions at their GP practice until 31 March.

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.