Thousands in Surrey eligible for COVID and Flu vaccinations
The NHS will also offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus
Thousands of people in Surrey are being encouraged to get their Autumn Covid boosters and flu vaccines ahead of the winter.
From today a number of people in vulnerable groups can get the flu jab, including over 65s, people between 18 and 65 in clinical risk groups and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
The NHS is also offering a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus for the first time - a condition that can be dangerous to young children and the elderly
The jab will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Jo Cogswell, Executive Director Strategy and Joint Transformation, Surrey Heartlands ICB said: “The COVID-19 vaccine is our best defence against the virus, and it is so beneficial to get the jab when you can. I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs to protect themselves and people around them.”
For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr David Williams, Medical Director for Vaccinations, Surrey Heartlands ICB said: “The vaccination does fade over time so it’s essential to keep up with having your boosters. COVID-19 is still circulating and can cause serious illness, hospitalisation for our older population and those with a weakened immune system.
“Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when viruses are more likely to spread.”
Those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 1 September:
• Pregnant women
• All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.
From 3 October:
• Those aged 65 years and over
• Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• Those in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
Residents in a care home for older adults
All adults aged 65 years and over
Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book
Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
From September, anyone eligible for the vaccinations can book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they cannot get online. The vaccinations will be available from 3 October.