COVID vaccine
The NHS is offering a Spring COVID vaccination to those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID. This will help protect them if COVID-19 rates are high over the summer months and reduce their chances of needing hospital treatment if they do catch the virus.
Eligible people will be invited to book their spring vaccination soon, with appointments starting from 1 April.You will receive an invite when its your turn, there is no need to contact your GP practice at this time.
People eligible for an autumn COVID vaccine:
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- People with a weakened immune system.
How to access a COVID vaccine
- Via your GP surgery – you will receive an invite inviting you to book, there is no need to contact your GP surgery at this time. Please note, these appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS).
- Via the national booking system (NBS) – People may choose to book an appointment at a participating pharmacy through the NHS App or on the NHS website. Alternatively, people who aren’t able to book online can call 119 where translators will also be available to support people if needed.
- At a drop-in clinic. Find a location offering walk-ins via the find a walk-in website.
- At a community drop-in clinic.
Additional COVID-19 vaccinations for people with a severely weakened immune system
If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may need additional protection outside of the seasonal vaccination programme.
If you are eligible your GP and/or Specialist doctor will discuss this with you and refer you for vaccination if you choose to take up the offer. If you believe you’re eligible but have not been referred please discuss with your GP or specialist.
Resources
COVID vaccines on the NHS website.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung conditions.
From 1 September 2024, the NHS in Gloucestershire will be rolling out a new vaccination programme to protect those most vulnerable from RSV.
- Adults will be invited for the vaccine by their GP practice when they turn 75.
- GP practices will be running a ‘catch up’ programme for adults already aged 75-79. Those eligible will receive an invite to book, there is no need to call your GP practice at this time.
- Women will also be eligible for the vaccine when pregnant (between 28 and 36 weeks). This will be offered by a midwife, though you may also be able to get it from your GP practice.
Resources
- RSV on the NHS website
- A guide to the RSV vaccination for older adults
- A guide to the RSV vaccination for pregnant women
Vaccines in pregnancy
There are several vaccinations that pregnant women should consider having to protect themselves and their baby.
| What | When | Where |
|
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Adacel vaccine (Pertussis, Diptheria and Tetanus) |
From 16 weeks of pregnancy, and ideally before 32 weeks. Vaccine offered year-round |
GP practice Antenatal clinics |
| RSV | From 28 weeks of pregnancy, as close to this date as possible. Vaccine offered year-round |
Antenatal clinic
|
| Flu | Any time during pregnancy -vaccine offered September to March |
GP practice Antenatal clinics Community pharmacy
|
| Covid | Any time during pregnancy – vaccine offered September to December |
GP practice Community pharmacy (Use the NHS Covid booking system to find community pharmacy availability*) |
*Covid booking
Use the National Booking System to find an appointment at a local pharmacy before 19 December 2024: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/
After 19 December you can still find a community pharmacy offering COVID vaccines via drop-in here. The offer ends 31 January 2025.
Getting your vaccines at antenatal clinics
Vaccines are available at the antenatal clinics at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital or Cheltenham General Hospital. Women can get vaccines whilst at the antenatal clinic for a scan or appointment, or call to ask when best to drop in.
Call the antenatal clinics on:
- Cheltenham – 0300 422 2346 or 0300 422 2347
- Gloucester – 0300 422 6103 or 0300 422 5120 / 5127
More information