Time to get boosted for winter 2023 | News and events

The COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme for winter 2023 has started and those eligible for a vaccination are advised to look out for their invitation to book.

Those eligible to receive both the free COVID-19 and flu vaccines include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, adults and children (aged 6 months and over) with certain health conditions, health and social care staff, carers and residents of care homes for older people.

There is no need to contact GP practices directly, as the NHS will invite those eligible for both or either of the vaccines, allowing them to directly book their appointment via the National Booking Service’s website or called 119 if they don’t have access to the internet. Even for those who’ve had a COVID-19 or flu vaccine previously, even if it’s on many occasions, it’s still important to get a vaccination as viruses changes each year and immunity decreases over time.

Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of the Integrated Care System (ICS), said: “When you’re invited for your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations this autumn, it’s never been more important to come forward and get protection for you and your family. The vaccination programme provides vital protection to the most vulnerable and their families, helping to prevent people from developing more serious illnesses and helping to reduce hospitalisations during winter months.

“While flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant for most people, they can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some, particularly people with certain health conditions, people with learning disabilities, older people and pregnant women. So I would urge eligible people to get booked in for their jabs as soon as they can.”

To help support our current workforce, the local NHS is looking for people to become NHS Reservists to cover nurse and admin roles to help deliver the winter vaccination programme over the coming months. These are paid roles suitable for anyone who is passionate about patient care. Visit https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/we-are-nhs/nhs-reservists for more information.

For more information on winter vaccinations please visit https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators