Somerset 'leading the region' on care home covid vaccines
NHS Somerset have revealed 90% of care home residents have received a coronavirus vaccination since the start of their winter programme
In what's been called a 'significant milestone', the NHS here in Somerset say 9 in 10 care home residents have been given the Covid-19 vaccine.
Their winter roll out started back in September, which has seen 128,000 Covid-19 jabs given to-date - and 164,000 flu jabs.
They say Somerset is 'leading the region' with these stats - and have thanked the work of GPs, pharmacies and vaccination teams for their swift work.
Shona Turnbull-Kirk, Associate Director for Health Inclusion for NHS Somerset, said: “This represents a significant milestone, offering vital protection to our most at-risk patients. Thank you to our dedicated GPs, community pharmacies and vaccination teams for their tireless efforts in administering COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to those eligible for winter boosters”.
GP practices and other NHS services have been contacting people to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, sometimes in the same visit.
Currently, over 25% of flu and Covid vaccinations are being administered to individuals during the same appointment.
All eligible adults can book their vaccination appointment online via the NHS App or by calling 119.
Starting this week walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are also available in Somerset, and you can find the details online.
You may be able get the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- Have certain health conditions or a learning disability
- Are pregnant
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Are a carer
- Are a frontline health or social care worker
- Live in a care home
Cllr Adam Dance, Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset Council said: “I would encourage our residents to get both their Covid and flu vaccination as soon as they can.
"It is important that our most vulnerable residents continue to protect themselves against Covid and flu and that we avoid putting friends and family members at risk. The best way to do this is by getting vaccinated.
"It is easier than ever to get your vaccinations by either booking online, calling 119 or finding a walk-in clinic on the NHS website.”
Most children can get the children’s flu vaccine - including those who turned 2 or 3 years by 31 August 2023, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain health conditions.