NHS vaccination teams across Leeds are offering Covid-19 boosters to those at greatest risk from the virus.
The autumn booster rollout has started this week (12 September 2022), with people aged 75 and over, frontline health and care workers and those with weakened immune systems the first to be invited for the vital jab. Next in line are people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and carers who are now able to book an appointment through the National Booking Service.
The NHS will contact eligible people when it’s their turn for the booster and invite them to make an appointment. You will either get a text or call from your local GP service or an invitation from the National Booking Service, which will allow you to choose a convenient centre for you to attend.
With a resurgence in both covid and flu expected this winter, experts are urging eligible people to get protected as soon as they are invited to keep them and those around them safe and help us continue to live with the virus without restrictions.
As with previous campaigns, the oldest and most vulnerable are being called forward first, with people able to book online or by calling 119, as long as it has been three months since their last dose.
Sam Prince, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in Leeds said:
“Although life has gone back to normal for most people, Covid hasn’t gone away and the boosters will help make sure those at greatest risk maintain high levels of protection against Covid-19 this winter.
“Please do come forward for your booster when you are invited to ensure you and your loved ones stay protected. There is no need to contact your GP or the NHS – we will be in touch with you when it is your turn to get your booster.”
Frontline health and social care staff are also now able to book their autumn booster in line with JCVI guidance.
Some vaccination services will still be running on Monday 19 September, which will now be a Bank Holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
People who already have an appointment booked should still attend unless they are contacted and advised of any changes. The NHS is asking anyone who had booked an appointment for this day but no longer wishes to attend to please make sure they cancel their appointment and book for another date.
The following people are eligible for a booster:
- People who live or work in a care home for older adults
- Frontline health and social care workers
- People aged 50 and over
- People aged 5-49 who are immunosuppressed
- People aged 5-49 who have a health condition that puts them at greater risk from COVID
- People aged 5-49 who live with someone who is immunosuppressed
- Pregnant women
- People aged 16-49 who are carers
Flu vaccinations are also underway and are being offered by GP practices and community pharmacies. It is safe to have the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations at the same time but this may not always be possible so the NHS is asking people to get each vaccination as soon as they invited.
This post is based on a press release issued by NHS Leeds
My sister was able to get the 1st ,2nd injection at her local doctors surgery and the 3rd injection at the very local community hub -she has mobility issues and relies on someone to give her a lift to these very local appointments but she recently was expected to get the Covid 19 booster injection at a location 5 miles away-so 10 mile round trip- with 3 days notice not enough time to arrange a lift as person who drives is working , so is now waiting to see if a local pharmacy will be offering the booster injections- a lot of people with mobility issues will find it difficult to get to certain locations , they do need a local venue really