Posted on: 3 October 2024
Almost four years after the first COVID-19 vaccination was delivered, hundreds of eligible people in West Yorkshire are heading out for their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations today, 3 October, as the NHS launches its local winter vaccination programme.
After four years and over 6.6 million COVID-19 jabs administered in West Yorkshire, local health professionals are reminding people that COVID-19 is still a very nasty disease, and many people are at risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch it. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
Today, pharmacies and vaccination centres are starting the 2024 winter vaccination programme, offering COVID-19, flu and, for the first time, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.
In a pop up clinic today at Sandal Rugby Club in Wakefield, over 300 people will get their protection against COVID-19 and flu. Taking the vaccination programme to community venues such as this is one of the ways the NHS is trying to make getting your vaccinations as easy as possible this year.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said: “Thinking back to the pandemic four years ago, this level of sophisticated and routine COVID-19 vaccination programme was something we were all hoping for. It’s a real testament to the NHS and public health colleagues that just four short years later, we’re rolling out flu and COVID-19 vaccinations like it’s just another normal winter. People can even book to have their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the same time if they are eligible and their RSV jab from a week later in most cases.
“But we cannot become complacent. COVID-19 is still a very real illness that can be serious, particularly if you’re pregnant, have existing health conditions or are an older person. It’s important that those who need protection most, take up the offer this winter.
“The importance of the vaccinations is twofold this year, with the NHS under immense pressure, it’s crucial that we protect our hospitals, and the best way to do that is by stopping people becoming seriously ill in the first place. If you’re eligible, by having your vaccinations you’re doing your bit to not only protect yourself and your family, but to protect the hospitals in West Yorkshire too.”
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab, introduced nationally earlier this month, is available to those aged 75 to 79, and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
It is hoped this year’s vaccination campaigns will help avoid a “tripledemic” of RSV, COVID-19 and flu colliding during an already busy time for frontline staff.
Who is eligible?
Flu
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions (as defined by the Green Book)
- are pregnant
- live in an adult residential care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer
COVID-19
You are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination is you are:
- aged 65 or over
- pregnant
- aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
- living in a residential care home for older adults
The Government has decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID-19 jab.
How to get your jab
Over the past few weeks, the NHS has been inviting eligible people for their jabs. If you haven’t been contacted but you are eligible, then you can can book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations online, on the NHS App or call free on 119 if you do not have access to the internet.