The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging those eligible for COVID and flu vaccinations this year to take up the offer to protect themselves and others this winter.

This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. As in previous years, the vaccines will also be offered to frontline health and social care staff.

Local NHS services have started inviting people to book in for their vaccinations, the bulk of which will be delivered via GP surgeries from 3 October.

Flu vaccinations (nasal spray) for school aged children got underway earlier in September when the autumn term started to help stop the virus spreading. Pregnant women have also been able to access their flu jab since early September.

Children aged 2 and 3 years will be invited for a flu vaccination (nasal spray) from their GP surgery.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting most adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Dr Hein Le Roux, local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“Our vaccination teams are working hard across the county to invite people for their flu and COVID vaccination as soon as possible.

If you’re eligible for one or both vaccines, it’s really important to take up the offer as soon as you’re invited to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell.”

Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health, Gloucestershire County Council, said:

“As we head into the autumn and winter months, it’s more important than ever that we all take steps to protect ourselves, which includes taking up the offer of vaccinations if eligible.

Our most vulnerable residents are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell over winter.

Vaccines remain the best protection we have against seasonal viruses like COVID and flu. If you’re eligible for the COVID, flu jab (or both) this winter, I urge you to take up the offer as soon as possible.”

Nicola Hazle, Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We have a strong history of providing vaccinations to young people in Gloucestershire, and this year’s rollout of the flu vaccine is going very well, thanks to the support of schools, parents and of course the young people themselves.

If you have not yet heard from us, our team will be in touch with parents, guardians or carers in the coming weeks using our brand-new e-consent process.”

Matt Holdaway, Director of Quality and Chief Nurse, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Staff choosing to get their flu and COVID vaccines protects us and our families, ensuring we can stay healthy to deliver the best care and keep our patients safe during the winter months.”

Additional information

How to access a vaccination in Gloucestershire

  • Via appointment at a GP practice – please note that these appointments are not available on the national booking system, people will receive 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 (NBS) – some people may choose to book an appointment at a number of community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website. You may be offered both vaccines at the same appointment, if you’re eligible.
  • Pregnant women may be able to get their flu and COVID vaccinations via local maternity services. Speak to your midwife who will be able to advise.
  • Primary school and secondary school pupils up to year 11 will be offered a flu nasal spray via the school vaccination programme.

Who is eligible for vaccinations this year

Those eligible for a flu vaccine:

  • Those aged 65 years and over
  • Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book*)
  • Pregnant women
  • 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**
  • Two and three-year olds (flu nasal spray, delivered by GP surgeries)
  • Primary school and secondary school pupils up to year 11 (flu nasal spray, delivered via the school vaccination programme)
  • 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 individuals employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Those eligible for a COVID vaccine:

  • 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*
  • Pregnant women
  • Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults.

* Health conditions which mean people should get vaccinated for flu and COVID

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.

**People who are immunocompromised may have a weakened immune system due to a health condition, treatment or medicine including if they:

  • have ever had a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
  • have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • have HIV (at any stage)
  • have a genetic disorder affecting their immune system
  • have certain medical treatments, such as steroid medicine (depending on their dose), certain antibody therapies, chemotherapy or radiotherapy (including those whose treatment ended up to 6 months ago)
  • take certain medicines that increase their risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on their dose)
  • take long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis.