Devon is leading the country on the percentage of care home residents already vaccinated against COVID-19 this autumn. Over 76% of care home residents in Devon have received their COVID-19 jab, this is the highest percentage in England.
The winter vaccine roll-out began on the 11 September 2023 and 155,236 COVID-19 vaccinations and 185,492 flu vaccinations have been given in Devon to date.
Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said; “This is a major achievement and providing protection to some of our most vulnerable patients. Thank you to all our GPs and vaccination teams for their hard work to provide Covid and flu vaccinations for those eligible for an autumn booster.”
GP practices and other local NHS services have been contacting people to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, sometimes in the same visit. Currently over 34% of flu and Covid vaccinations are being administered to individuals during the same appointment.
Thousands of people across Devon can now book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines online, as the NHS booking system opens ahead of what could be a challenging winter for the health service.
As part of the NHS’s commitment to make it ever more convenient for people to book in for their winter vaccines, all eligible adults can book their vaccination appointment through www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well, by downloading the NHS App or by calling 119.
Who should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
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
Most children can get the children’s flu vaccine. This includes children who were
aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
and children with certain health conditions.
Dr Acheson concludes; “We are already seeing signs that the NHS is facing a
difficult winter with significant pressures being felt on the frontline already.
We ask that everyone who is eligible gets their flu and Covid vaccinations to help
protect themselves, their loved ones and our NHS services this winter.”
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