Less than three weeks left to book NHS COVID-19 and flu vaccinations online
The latest vaccination data shows that hardworking NHS teams have delivered 15.88 million flu and 9.08 million COVID-19 vaccinations since September.
Huge efforts to help avoid a ‘tripledemic’ this winter continue as people have until the end of 19 December to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service.
It is still possible to book your vaccinations after December 19 through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer COVID appointments, and you may need to travel further.
Who is eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine?
You can get the free flu or COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
How do I book a flu or COVID-19 vaccination?
You can book a free COVID-19 or flu vaccination by visiting the NHS website. Alternatively, you can call 119 free of charge to book over the phone if you cannot book online.
There is also the option of finding a walk-in COVID-19 or flu vaccination site at a pharmacy. If you’re eligible, you can get vaccinated without booking an appointment.
What is the RSV jab?
More than one million people have been vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), after the NHS launched a rollout of the jab for the first time in its history this autumn.
Since 1 September, pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 79 have been offered vaccinations as the NHS sought to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus and prevent a global leading cause of infant mortality.
RSV infections are common but can be particularly dangerous to young children and older people as they can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. RSV is one of the main causes of pressure in children’s hospitals and paediatric intensive care units during winter.
Women should speak to their maternity service about receiving their vaccine from 28 weeks to any point up to birth. Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.
How is Healthwatch Westminster addressing vaccine hesitancy?
From October 2023 until the end of March 2024, we received funding from the North West London Integrated Care System to speak to residents about keeping well over the winter.
As part of this project, we engaged with the community by sharing NHS resources and promoting positive health messages. We also invited local residents to share their feedback about the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, using NHS 111 and whether they renewed repeat prescriptions and kept a medicine cabinet.
The final report features insights from 70 respondents as well as our recommendations to intensify interventions against vaccine hesitancy.
