NHS’s winter vaccination programme rolling out for COVID, flu, and RSV jabs

Those who are eligible are being urged to start thinking about getting their winter vaccinations as the colder weather approaches.

The NHS winter vaccination programme starts next month, and this year, the NHS will be offering COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations to keep those most at risk protected over the winter months.

RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and can be very serious for the vulnerable, including infants and the elderly.

The RSV rollout will begin on Sunday (September 1), and it includes a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, and a routine programme for those aged 75 to 79.

Flu vaccinations will also be available for pregnant women and children from Sunday, and for all adults aged 65 or over, people with certain long-term health conditions, residents in a care home, carers, and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system from October 3.

COVID vaccinations will be available for all care home residents, those aged 65 years and over, and anyone in a clinical risk group from October 3.

Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Every winter the NHS urges eligible people to get vaccinated to protect themselves from falling seriously unwell over the colder months when nasty viruses spread more easily.

“We may not want to start thinking about the winter months at the moment, but it is important that those who are most vulnerable start to think about getting protected.

“The COVID and flu vaccinations are offered every winter to those most at risk and I welcome the UK being the first country to start offering vaccinations against RSV which can be a very nasty illness, especially for young children.

“These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months ahead.”

For more information about the vaccination programmes, and how to book an appointment, visit the ICB website at https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/vaccinations/.

The NHS anticipates that most flu and COVID-19 vaccinations should be completed by Friday December 20.