NHS staff are working hard to prepare for the rollout of the COVID-19 autumn booster programme and the annual flu vaccine.

The NHS vaccinates in line with guidance from the independent JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), which provides expert advice on vaccinations to UK health departments. Norfolk and Waveney, like other areas of the country, is now finalising preparations to deliver this programme.

Howard Martin, Director of Population Health Management at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Norfolk and Waveney, like other areas of the country, is now finalising preparations to deliver this programme.

“Just as with previous rounds of the Covid vaccination programme, the autumn booster will be offered first to the most vulnerable and/or the oldest members of our population and will then be rolled out to the rest of the eligible population between mid September and December

“Vaccinations will be offered at a range of sites, including GP practices, local pharmacies, hospital hubs, and large vaccination centres, with sites currently being finalised and confirmed.

“We will also be holding pop-up clinics and roving vaccination teams will help make access to vaccinations easier and more convenient for local people.

The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine – you do not need to contact the NHS. We urge all those invited for both a flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine to take up the offer as quickly as possible – it will give you maximum protection this winter.

Following a review of the provision and delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations locally, there have been some changes in the north Norfolk area.

The COVID-19 large-scale vaccination centre at Kelling Hospital run by Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) NHS Trust will no longer be vaccinating from 1^st September.

Mr Martin added: “The COVID-19 vaccination programme across Norfolk and Waveney has been extremely successful with almost 2.5 million vaccinations given to local people.

“We have worked hard to be as flexible as possible and provide a service which is equitable, easy and convenient for local people to access. We continue to review the programme to ensure it best meets the needs of local people and communities and makes the most effective use of public resources.

“COVID-19 vaccinations are currently being delivered from a large-scale vaccination centre run by Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) NHS Trust at Kelling in north Norfolk. However following a review of the provision in north Norfolk we have made the difficult decision to close the large-scale vaccination centre at Kelling. This is because our latest modelling confirms there is now more than sufficient capacity to deliver vaccinations effectively in this area without the need for a large-scale site.  We have had confirmation that all our local Primary Care Networks – groups of GP Practices – will be delivering vaccine, and Aylsham Pharmacy will also offer additional provision to people in this area of north Norfolk.

“We are extremely thankful to the public for the willingness they have shown to come forward and have their vaccinations and we would like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly at Kelling large-scale vaccination centre to protect our local communities. We are working with CCS in supporting staff in seeking alternative employment within other large scale vaccination centres, other CCS NHS Trust services, or the wider health care community.

“We cannot recommend enough the importance of everyone, regardless of your age, having their vaccination to protect themselves, their family, and the local community.”