Covid-19 deadline: Still time to get a vaccination in West Yorkshire by 31 January

With two weeks left until the end of the winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 31 January 2024, the NHS in West Yorkshire is working hard to provide all eligible people who with their COVID-19 vaccination in local NHS walk-in centres and participating pharmacies.

Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said “Under-vaccinated people over-75 are more than twice as likely to be seriously ill with COVID -19 than those who were fully protected. For pregnant women, the COVID-19 vaccination provides the best protection for them and their unborn children against complications to the illness.

“It’s particularly important that those most at risk are protected – especially 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. So I urge those eligible take a few minutes to get their vaccination by 31 January to protect themselves in the coming months.”

If people have any questions about COVID-19 or the vaccine they can speak with their GPs, pharmacist, health workers and midwives or check online at www.nhs.co.uk/wintervaccinations.

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. For details of where to get a COVID-19 vaccination in West Yorkshire: Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccination in West Yorkshire? :: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership (wypartnership.co.uk)
2. Details of pharmacies offering flu vaccines to 31 March 2024: Find a flu vaccination pharmacy (for 18 years+) or through GP surgeries.​​​​​​​