Autumn Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaign launches to protect the most vulnerable

The eligible cohorts for both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations as part of the autumn and winter vaccinations programme includes:

• those aged 65 and over
• residents in care homes for older people,
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women,
• frontline health and social care worker and staff in care homes for older adults.

*For a comprehensive list of eligibility please visit our website: latest vaccination news – LLR ICB

Dr Virginia Ashman, clinical lead for the immunisation programme in LLR said: “It is important to get vaccinated regularly with both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to boost your protection, even if you have previously been vaccinated. The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against currently circulating variants of both viruses.

“Vulnerable people that contract Covid-19 or flu can become seriously unwell and could require hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against both viruses and is especially important to do before winter sets in. This is so that the vaccines can become effective within your body. We can’t stress enough that vaccinations really do save lives.”

Earlier this week, new figures from UKHSA showed that over the past two winters there have been at least 18,000 deaths associated with flu and over 19,500 deaths associated with Covid-19 across the UK.

All eligible people will be invited for their vaccinations by the NHS bookings team, or their GP practice. However, those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic.

Vaccination appointments can be booked now using the National Booking service website or by calling 119. A local online walk-in clinic finder also shows a list of all walk-in clinics available across LLR, where people can attend with no appointment necessary. Available walk-in clinics can be found here: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/how-to-get-your-vaccine/

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine can check with their GP practice or by clicking here. There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS App provides details of all your previous Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.

In LLR people can access their Covid-19 and flu vaccines via their GP practice, community pharmacies or walk-in clinics. The Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) will also be providing specialist vaccination clinics for:

• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months up to 18 years of age,
• people aged 65 and over and,
• frontline health and social care workers.

Children in clinical risk groups from 6 months to 4 years of age can book appointments for the LRI clinics by calling the central booking team on 0116 497 5700 and selecting option 1. All other children in clinical risk groups aged 5 and over, those 65 and over and all staff can book their appointments at an LRI clinic by using the National Booking Service or by calling 119.  

Dr Ashman concludes: “Older people, pregnant women and those in a clinical risk group are affected more by Covid-19 and flu and that’s why we’re encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you can get vaccinated visit our website or drop in to one of our mobile vaccination clinics and speak to our vaccination team.”

To find out more about this year’s autumn / winter vaccination programme and to learn about all vaccinations available as part of our local offer, please visit the brand new LLR ICB vaccination hub: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations/