The NHS’s Covid-19 and Flu vaccination programme in the South East is off to a flying start with over three quarters of a million autumn vaccines already delivered, providing vital protection to the most vulnerable.

More than 420,000 flu vaccinations and 385,000 Covid-19 jabs have been delivered in the region since the start of the campaign earlier this month, with lots of people being offered both vaccines at the same time, making it more convenient for people.

Care home residents were amongst the first to be offered the top-up ahead of winter when covid, flu and other viruses circulate.

Across the region, over 18,000 Covid-19 jabs have been delivered to care homes so far with many more planned over the coming days and weeks.

Nationally, over 4.1 million people across England have been invited to book their flu and Covid-19 vaccination appointments this week, adding to the 1.5 million invited last week.

In addition, more than 1.2 million texts and emails have been sent to parents of 2–3-year-olds, inviting them to book their child’s flu vaccine, alongside a reminder to get an MMR vaccination if not up to date.

With the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant (BA.2.86) in England, the NHS brought forward its lifesaving vaccination programme following the latest scientific advice.

The autumn vaccination campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter with the health service already facing immense pressure from ongoing industrial action, demand on emergency services, alongside the risk of a new covid variant, and common winter viruses.

Caroline Reid, Regional Director of Commissioning and SRO for the Flu and Covid vaccination programme across the South East, said: “The NHS’s Flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme has been very effective in protecting those at greatest risk over the past years, and we continue to work at speed to ensure that they are protected once again this year.

“It’s great to see that we have got off to a strong start in the region, with over three quarters of a million autumn vaccinations already delivered.

She added: “Not only will these vaccinations help to protect people and their loved ones from getting sick this winter, but they will also help to protect the NHS – we want to see thousands more getting their protection – so please come forward and book your vaccine today.”

People eligible during this year’s vaccination campaign include all aged 65 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

Health chiefs are encouraging pregnant women to get their vaccines which they can get at any stage of their pregnancy during the campaign. If mums-to-be are concerned or have any questions regarding these vaccinations, they should speak to their GP, midwife or hospital team.

More than 600 sites in the South East are expected to take part in this year’s campaign to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to get protected. This is an increase of over 200 sites compared to last year.