Posted on: 5 January 2024
With four weeks left until the end of the winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 31 January 2024, the NHS in West Yorkshire is encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward to get their COVID-19 jab at a local NHS walk-in centre or participating pharmacy. In many cases, they will also be able to get a flu vaccination at the same time.
Over 6.3 million COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters have been given in West Yorkshire. Although the National Booking Service (NBS) and 119 telephone line both closed on 14 December, the number of people having their first COVID-19 vaccination increased to 1 in 36 of those being vaccinated, up from 1 in 1000 since the campaign started in September 2023. This reflects increased awareness of the campaign and availability of walk-in appointments and pop-up sites in community venues
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said
“We are seeing cases of COVID-19 and flu increasing, as well as the numbers of people being admitted to hospital. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will help protect you and your loved ones ahead of the peaks, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up maximum defences.
"It’s particularly important that those most at risk are protected – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions – both to reduce the chances of becoming seriously ill as well as reduce pressures on local NHS hospitals and staff.
"That’s why we’re urging everyone eligible who hasn’t yet had their vaccine to come forward before the COVID-19 programme ends at the end of January.”
Those people eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination now include:
- · all adults aged 65 years and over
- · people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- · frontline health and social care workers
- · people aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- · people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults
After 31 January 2024, the COVID-19 offer will close until the next seasonal campaign, likely to be April 2024. People may be able to get vaccinated sooner, if they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens their immune system, if advised by a clinician.
The flu programme will continue until 31 March. However, those eligible are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible so they’re protected during the peak flu season.
Notes
1. Details of Covid-19 walk in sites to 31 January: Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
2. Details of Covid-19 participating pharmacies to 31 January: Find a Covid-19 pharmacy
3. Details of pharmacies offering flu vaccines to 31 March 2024: Find a flu vaccination pharmacy (for 18 years+) or through GP surgeries.