With only two weeks left to book Covid-19 and flu vaccinations online, the NHS in London is urging everyone still eligible to get protected.

The latest figures show more than 23 million covid jabs have been given in the capital since the vaccination programme began three years ago.

People have until the end of 19 December to book Covid-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system (Covid-19, flu vaccination), NHS App and 119 phone service.

The latest vaccination data shows that in the last week alone, the NHS in London has given more than 26,500 Covid vaccines, with the highest proportion of jabs being given to people in care homes and those aged over 75.

And in the last week, nearly 53,000 flu vaccines have been given in London. Just over half of these have been provided at GP practices, with around 30% given at community pharmacies and roughly 10% at schools.

NHS London’s medical director Dr Chris Streather said: “We’re encouraging as many people as possible to get their Covid and flu vaccinations by 19 December. It will still be possible to book your vaccinations after that date through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites but there won’t be as many covid appointments and you may need to travel further.

NHS London’s regional public health director Prof Kevin Fenton said: “Getting vaccinated is your best defence against winter viruses and will help prevent people from becoming seriously ill, reduce the number of people needing hospital care and help keep people at home with their families this winter”.

Anyone eligible can book a Covid-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.

Notes to editors

Interviews are available with  Prof Kevin Fenton, Dr Chris Streather and London GPs Dr Tehseen Khan and Dr Oge Ilozue

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to 18 years old
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers

Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• those aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
• frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults.