Millions of eligible people in the North East and Yorkshire can book their life-saving autumn Covid vaccine online as the NHS steps up its winter vaccination programmes in response to the risk of the new Covid variant.

In this region more than 3.3 million people are eligible for the latest dose of the Covid vaccine. Older people and those in at-risk groups remain at highest risk of serious illness from the virus.

Anyone eligible can book their Covid vaccination via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online.

Adults who are eligible for winter vaccines – including all aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with an underlying health condition – are receiving invitations from the NHS to encourage them to get their Covid and flu jabs.

Dr Yvette Oade, Regional Medical Director for NHS North East and Yorkshire, said it was important eligible people top up their protection because immunity wanes over time and viruses change each year.

“With concerns growing over a new Covid variant, and as the weather gets colder, it’s more important than ever to protect our most vulnerable people with both the Covid and flu vaccines,” Dr Oade said.

“The vaccines continue to provide the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from Covid-19 and flu, so please come forward as soon as you can so you’re fully protected for this winter, and encourage your loved ones who are eligible to do the same.”

This year’s adult Covid and flu vaccination programme has been brought forward on the advice of scientists following the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant (BA.2.86), which has a high number of mutations. NHS staff have worked hard to ensure services are ready for people to get jabbed at an earlier stage so they can boost their immunity as soon as possible.

Dr Oade added: “You can book your Covid vaccination through the NHS website, where every day new appointments are being added, many of which are at local community pharmacies. Some people will be contacted by their GP practice and may be able to have their Covid and flu vaccines at the same time. Remember, if you’re eligible to receive the adult flu vaccine, you’re also eligible to receive the Covid vaccine.”

Last year, in this region, more than 2.7 million people received the Covid-19 autumn booster and more than 2.6 million people were given a flu vaccine.