THE NHS winter vaccination programme has delivered more than ten million flu jabs and over seven million Covid vaccines to people most at risk across England in just over five weeks, making this the fastest NHS flu vaccine roll-out on record.
On Monday October 16 the national booking system opened up for those eligible to book an appointment to have both flu and Covid vaccines which are given at the same time.
Analysis also shows that this year has been the fastest-ever rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to care homes by NHS teams, with more care homes visited in the first five weeks of this campaign than in previous rollouts.
More than 12,000 care homes have been visited already – more than 80 per cent of all care homes in England.
Despite these efforts, millions more eligible people are being urged to get their lifesaving Covid and flu vaccines to reduce the risk of infection. The number of patients in hospital with Covid hit a five-month high of 4,205 patients on October 8 – up 14 per cent on the previous week.
The NHS is continuing to invite all those eligible for winter vaccinations to come forward and book appointments. So far more than 16 million invitations have been sent, including to those aged 65 and those with certain health conditions.
Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said: “With the vaccination programme rolling out earlier this year, I’m delighted that over 18 million Covid and flu jabs have been administered, with three million people getting jabbed in the same appointment and taking the important step to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
“Our NHS staff are doing a wonderful job and the National Booking System is now open so, if you are eligible, please do take up the offer and get your Covid and flu jabs as soon possible.”
