London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The National Health Service (NHS) in London encourages eligible individuals to book Covid-19 and flu vaccinations online by December 19 to protect against winter viruses.
People have only 14 days left to book vaccination appointments for COVID-19 and flu, they can book through the NHS online booking system, NHS App, or by calling 119.
While vaccinations can still be booked locally after December 19, fewer COVID-19 appointments will be available, and travel distances may increase. London has administered more than 23 million doses over the past three years.
NHS’s latest data reveals that more than 26,500 Covid vaccines were given in London last week, primarily to people in care homes and those over 75 years old.
My London reported that in the past week, nearly 53,000 flu vaccinations were given in London, with the largest portion administered at GP practices, and significant numbers at community pharmacies and schools.
The Covid-19 vaccine remains available for high-priority groups, including the elderly and care home residents.
Prof Kevin Fenton, NHS London’s regional public health director stated, “Getting vaccinated is your best defence against winter viruses and will help prevent people from becoming seriously ill, reduce the number of people needing hospital care and help keep people at home with their families this winter.”
NHS stated that flu vaccine is available for booking through local pharmacies by searching online.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the flu vaccine is available to a wide range of eligible groups this year. These include pregnant women, children aged 2 or 3 years on August 31, 2024, primary school-aged children (Reception to Year 6), and secondary school-aged children (Year 7 to Year 11).
Meanwhile, children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months to 18 years, individuals aged 65 and over, and adults aged 18 to 64 in clinical risk groups (as outlined in the Green Book) are also eligible.
The NHS states that the flu vaccine is available to residents of long-stay care homes, carers, close contacts of those with weakened immune systems, and frontline social care workers, including staff in care homes, domiciliary care providers, and voluntary hospice services.
However, eligibility for the autumn COVID booster includes residents of care homes for older adults, all individuals aged 65 and over, those aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups, including pregnant women, and frontline health and social care workers, as well as staff in care homes for older adults.
Since its launch in December 2020, the COVID-19 vaccination program has rapidly expanded, with millions of people now receiving both the COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal flu shots, reflecting a strong commitment to public health.