NHS England’s North East and Yorkshire Medical Director and Clinical Lead for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is calling on those most at risk of becoming seriously ill or hospitalised with Covid to come forward for their vaccine ahead of the festive period.

The NHS has vaccinated almost two-thirds of those with a weakened immune system with a booster across the region already. However, there are still over 100,000 people at risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus who are yet to come forward for the vital top-up.

The NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be closed for flu and COVID vaccine bookings from Friday 15 December, making 14 December the last day to make a booking.

Figures published today show that more than 1.8 million people across the North East and Yorkshire have already had their Covid jab for winter. But the NHS is keen for those at the very highest risk, with a weakened immune system, to take up their vaccine offer.

Regional Medical Director and Clinical Lead for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, Dr Yvette Oade (pictured), said: “As we get closer to the festive period when lots of people will be coming together with family and friends, getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you, and those around you, safe.

“Although we have seen encouraging uptake of the seasonal Covid vaccine, there are still over 100,000 people across the North East and Yorkshire region at a higher risk of falling seriously ill to Covid. With thousands of appointments still available online, or by calling 119, we urge people to come forward as soon as they can.”

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, others eligible for the seasonal Covid vaccine include:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, Covid-19 chapter (Green Book)
• frontline health and social care workers
• persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and
• staff working in care homes for older adults.

If you are eligible, book your flu and seasonal Covid-19 vaccination online at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or via the NHS App by 14 December 2023. You will not be able to book a vaccination online after this date.

After 14 December, some appointments may still be available through a local NHS vaccination service, such as a pharmacy, or visit a walk-in site. Details of walk-in sites can be found at Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms on the day of your vaccinations, it’s advisable to rebook your appointment for when you are well.