NHS colleagues across Norfolk and Waveney are working together to get those who are housebound vaccinated ahead of this winter.

Housebound residents will receive a COVID-19 vaccine within their own home or place of residence.

Those who are housebound will have been identified by their GP practice and will be contacted in due course to ensure they are vaccinated. If you have not been contacted by 1st December, please contact your GP practice.

Kate Keeling, Head of Immunisation at NHS Norfolk and Waveney said:

“It is vitally important that when you are invited to have your COVID-19 booster you take up the opportunity to have it.

“Vaccinations are your best form of protection this winter. Viruses, like COVID-19, spread much more easily in winter when we socialise indoors, so it’s important that everyone eligible tops up their protection with an autumn booster.

“If you’re currently housebound and you think you’re eligible for a home vaccination, but you have not been contacted by the NHS to arrange this, contact your GP practice for support.”

Tricia D’Orsi, Director of Nursing of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney said:

“The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19. With both flu and COVID-19 expected to be circulating this winter, it’s important to boost your immunity and help protect yourself and others.

“We continue to urge anyone who is contacted by our housebound vaccination team to take up the offer of the vaccine and get themselves protected against COVID-19 and flu this winter”

Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster in line with guidance set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

This includes:

• residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
• frontline health and social care workers
• all adults aged 50 years and over
• persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, as set out in the Green Book – this includes pregnant women
• persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers, as set out in the Green Book

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.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• If you are not housebound but eligible for your vaccination to book your COVID-19 booster visit: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) 
• Alternatively, call 119.