People urged to book winter jabs in time for Christmas

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to book winter jabs in time for Christmas.

Thursday 14th December is last day
Online, NHS App and 119 phone service bookings for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations close on Friday 15th December making Thursday 14th December the last day to make a booking.

Until Thursday 14th December, you can book:

online at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations ;
using the NHS App;
through the 119 telephone service.
Easily spread
With people spend more time indoors at Christmas viruses like COVID19 and flu can spread more easily. Vaccination is the best way for people to ensure they and their families are protected. It takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up the maximum defences against the viruses, so it’s important to book in early.

It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.

Safeguard your health
Over 366,000 people aged 65 and over in Cheshire and Merseyside have received their COVID-19 vaccination, but there are still thousands more people who can safeguard their health this winter.

Anyone eligible to book an appointment is being encouraged to get this potentially lifesaving protection ahead of the festive season.

You can  use this link to find out whether you or a family member are eligible for a COVID vaccination.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged 65 years as well as  people in some other groups.

You can use this link to find out whether you or a family member are eligible for a COVID vaccination.

Walk-in sites
It will still be possible to get winter vaccinations after Friday 15th December until Wednesday 31st January 2024 via walk-in sites or by booking through local NHS vaccination services like pharmacies. However, there will be fewer Covid vaccine appointments and you may need to travel further.

You can use this link to find walk-in availability for community pharmacies, opening times for all other clinics, including the Living Well Bus.

Parents
Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccine, usually given as a nasal spray, will be offered in schools until 15 December. Parents can call to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023) or their child with certain health conditions at their GP practice until 31 March.

It only takes a few moments
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online.  Many people have already taken up the offer this year, but with just two weeks to go until online bookings close, we’re urging those who haven’t yet come forward to do so.

“As the festive period draws close and family and friends come together to celebrate, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, family and friends. So don’t delay book your COVID-19 vaccination now and stay protected.”

Record numbers
Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “NHS staff across Cheshire and Merseyside continue to deliver vaccines at sites across the region, including Primary Care Networks (PCNs), walk-in clinics, local pharmacies and onboard the Living Well Bus. 

"We’ve seen record numbers choosing to have their flu and Covid vaccines at the same time, making it even easier for people.”

Book while you can at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.