Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations From 1 October
From 1 October, the flu vaccination programme will expand to other groups, including:
- People aged 65 and over
- Adults in a clinical risk group
- People living in care homes
- Carers
- People who are in close contact with someone who is immunocompromised
- Frontline healthcare workers
Eligible people will be contacted by their GP practice, through the NHS App or by letter, and can be vaccinated through a range of local services. School-aged children will be vaccinated via their school nursing team - parents and carers should look out for the consent form in the coming weeks.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme will also begin from 1 October for those eligible under the autumn COVID vaccination programme. This includes people at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, with eligibility including adults aged 75 and over, people living in care homes and people who are immunosuppressed.
Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness and complications, particularly among people who are older, pregnant, immunosuppressed or living with certain health conditions. Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness and can help reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
Further information about eligibility and the national vaccination programme is available on the NHS website, or you can call the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination helpline on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.