The offer of a seasonal autumn COVID-19 vaccination ends on 15 December 2023, so there’s less than one month left for people to protect themselves before winter.

The eligibility for an autumn booster is different to the spring vaccination campaign, and local health leaders are concerned that some people may not realise they are entitled to a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

Those entitled to a vaccine before 15 December include:

  • Everyone aged 65 and over
  • Household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed
  • people who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • People aged 5-64 with underlying health conditions*
  • Pregnant women
  • Health and social care staff
  • People who live in care homes and those who are housebound.

Dr Andy Seymour, Chief Medical officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“This is the shortest seasonal COVID-19 vaccination campaign that the NHS has run and we’re concerned people may not realise the cut-off date for is 15 December – in less than four weeks’ time.

“In particular, some groups of people are eligible this autumn who weren’t included in the spring vaccination campaign, including unpaid carers and household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed. If you’re in one of these groups and haven’t already been invited for your vaccination by the NHS, you can self-declare and book an appointment at a participating pharmacy using the online national booking service or by calling 119, for free.

“COVID-19 is still circulating, and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the people you care for – please don’t delay yours.”

While COVID-19 is an unpleasant illness for most people, it can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women.

How to access a vaccination in Gloucestershire

  • Via appointment at a GP-led primary care network vaccination centre – Please note that these appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS), people will have received an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it’s their turn. People may be offered their COVID booster and flu jab at the same appointment subject to supplies.
  • Via the national booking system – some people may choose to book an appointment at a number of community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website (uk/covidvaccinationor call 119).
  • At a drop-in clinic – we will advertise these dates on the vaccination page of the NHS Gloucestershire website when they’re confirmed https://www.nhsglos.nhs.uk/your-health-services/community-and-hospital-care/vaccination/#link-how-to-access

*Health conditions which mean people should get vaccinated

Health conditions which mean people may be at a higher risk from severe illness and should therefore get vaccinated include chronic respiratory, heart, kidney or liver disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, problems with the spleen, those with a learning disability, severe mental illness, or being overweight, with a BMI of 40 or above.