Autumn vaccine total nears half a million

The number of winter vaccines across the region has reached over 450,000 so far this autumn.

Since the launch of this winter’s campaign to vaccinate people against flu, Covid-19 and RSV, over 450,000 vaccinations have been delivered to eligible people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

In October, it was announced that NHS staff had delivered more than 10 million Covid-19 and flu vaccinations nationally, as the effort to avoid a tripledemic this winter ramped up.

Covid-19 jabs were rolled out to those eligible on 3 October, and flu jabs have been available for pregnant women and 2–3-year-olds since 1 September, with both now fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups.

In BSW, vaccinations have been delivered in walk-in clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and community settings with the initial phase focussing on reaching those unable to leave their home without assistance, including housebound patients and care home staff and residents.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s been a good start to this year’s winter vaccination programme in BSW, which means many of our most vulnerable people are already protected as we move towards the colder months. 

“However, there are indications that some people at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter viruses are not coming for their vaccines. 

“I encourage health and social care workers, who may spend most of their time looking after others, to also look after themselves and get their vaccines. Also, those in clinically at-risk groups who may not realise they are more vulnerable, such as those with asthma, weakened immune systems or heart, liver or kidney conditions. 

“So, if invited, don’t delay – get the vaccines. And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns, please visit the NHS website, speak with your local pharmacist or ask your GP surgery.”

The NHS has invited more than 11 million people in England to come forward, but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.

Anyone eligible can book a Covid-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. 

The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk-in sites available to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

In recent weeks there has been a rise of flu and Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations, on top of a seasonal rise in RSV, which are adding to the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased.

For the first time in NHS history, vaccinations against RSV also kicked off on 1 September for pregnant women and older adults. 

Since the national rollout, there have been 714,699 RSV vaccinations administered to date.

To receive the RSV vaccine, pregnant women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP practice and those aged 75-79 should wait to be invited for their vaccine by their GP practice.

Further information on how to stay healthy during winter is available at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk .