Local NHS colleagues are urging those who have not yet come forward for their autumn COVID vaccination or their annual flu jab, to book their vaccination within the next two weeks.

From today (30 November), there will be just two weeks available to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online through the national booking system and on the NHS App.

If you are eligible, please book your flu and seasonal COVID-19 vaccination online at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or via the NHS App by 14 December 2023.

You will not be able to book a vaccination online after this date. 

The national booking system and the NHS App are the most convenient way to book both vaccines. It allows you to book your vaccines online at a site close to you in a matter of minutes.

The 119 service, which provides booking support for those who can’t get online, will also close for bookings on 14 December and queries on 22 December.

We know that vaccinations remain the best form of protection, so getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 ahead of 15 December will help protect you and your loved ones ahead of the winter holidays as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up maximum defences against the viruses.

After 14 December, you may be able to book a COVID-19 vaccination directly with a local NHS vaccination service, such as a pharmacy, or visit a walk-in site, but there will be fewer COVID-19 appointments and you may have to travel further. Details of walk in sites can be found at Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/our-campaigns/covid-19-vaccinations/walk-in-clinics/ 

If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, after 14 December you will still be able to contact your pharmacy to book an appointment or find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over).

After 31 January 2024, the COVID-19 vaccine offer will close. In most cases, you will have to wait until a future seasonal campaign. If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may be able to get vaccinated sooner, but only if your clinician advises it. You will still be able to get your flu vaccine until 31 March, but you are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Stay well this winter and get vaccinated now to make sure you are protected ahead of the colder months as these viruses circulate more easily as we spend more time indoors.

ENDS

• People eligible for both winter vaccines include all aged 65 and over, those that are pregnant, those aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.