Christmas is coming and with just two weeks until online bookings for COVID-19 and flu vaccines close, the NHS in the North West is urging anyone still eligible to book an appointment and get potentially lifesaving protection ahead of the festive season.

As the huge effort to help avoid a ‘tripledemic’ this winter continues, 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.

Latest data published by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows fewer eligible people have had the flu vaccine this year compared to last, with just 27.8% of people under the age of 65 and clinically at risk vaccinated.

There are still plenty of appointments available each week across the region offering extra protection to those eligible who have not yet come forward.

As of 5 December, more than 1 million COVID-19 and 2 million flu vaccinations have been administered in the North West since the beginning of the autumn campaign in October, but there are still thousands more people who can safeguard their health this winter.

Hundreds of sites continue to offer the vaccines this winter, making it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way for people to ensure they, and their families, are protected against flu and COVID-19 this Christmas when the viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors. It takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up the maximum defences against the viruses, so it’s important to book in early.

It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.

Last year’s flu surveillance data provided by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed there was a peak in flu illness over Christmas and New Year.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West said:

“It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online and many people have already taken up the offer this year, but with just two weeks to go until online bookings close, we’re urging those who haven’t yet come forward to do so.

“As the festive period draws close and family and friends come together to celebrate, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, family and friends. So don’t delay, book your COVID-19 vaccination now and stay protected.

“NHS staff across the North West continue to deliver vaccines at more sites than ever before making it even easier for people to get protected.”

The 119 service, which provides booking support for those unable to access online services, will also close for bookings on 20 December, but it will continue answering queries until 31 January.

It’s still possible to book your vaccinations after 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer Covid vaccine appointments and you may need to travel further.

People can continue booking the COVID-19 vaccine through local services until 31 January. After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.

For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 19 December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over.

Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccine, usually given as a nasal spray, will be offered in schools until 20 December. Parents can call to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023) or their child with certain health conditions at their GP practice.

Tricia Spedding, Deputy Head of Public Health NHS England – North West said:

“I want to encourage all eligible people to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible, please don’t wait.  Getting these lifesaving vaccinations now will ensure you have protection needed to fight the virus when it is at its most virulent.”

The NHS has sent national invites via text, email, letter, and on the NHS app to eligible people over 18 since bookings opened in September to ensure no one misses out and is continuing to encourage those that are yet to come forward through the NHS marketing campaign with UKHSA and DHSC.

Sarah Johnson Griffiths, Consultant in Health Protection for UKHSA North West said:

“Flu usually increases at higher levels over December and already we are seeing that cases are rising sharply.

“Flu can cause serious illness and even death and no one wants to see anyone in their family get sick or hospitalised over the festive season.

“The flu vaccine provides the best protection for you and your family. It also helps to reduce the spread of flu to those at risk, including small children, pregnant women, people with long term health conditions and older relatives.

“But time is running out to get vaccinated. We are urging the public to avoid an unhappy Christmas and enjoy the festive season by coming forward for their flu vaccination.

“Don’t let flu ruin your Christmas. The vaccine takes around two weeks to provide maximum protection so check if you’re eligible and book an appointment now.”

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.