Greater Manchester begins Autumn Covid-19 booster vaccination programme

From Monday 12 September onwards, GPs, pharmacists and hospital hubs have begun giving booster jabs to those in Greater Manchester at greatest risk from the Covid-19 virus.

Everyone aged 50 and over, people with certain health conditions that put them at risk and frontline health and care staff are all eligible for a new style booster, specifically designed with more recent virus variants in mind. Those eligible will either receive invitations for to come in for their jab from the NHS, or can make an appointment online using the National Booking Service, by calling 119, or can attend a walk-in clinic.

Care home residents and staff have also already begun to receive the vaccinations, as well as those 75 and over and with weakened immune systems.

A programme of flu vaccinations, offered first to more vulnerable groups, followed by all over 50s from mid-October, is also now underway. Those eligible are being encouraged to get both the flue and Covid-19 booster vaccines, which can be administered at the same time.

Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said

“We are envisaging a challenging winter, and anticipate seeing the continued spread of Covid-19 plus a resurgence in flu for the first time since the pandemic.

“We are urging everyone who is eligible for the Covid-19 booster to get it to protect themselves and anyone around them who might be vulnerable. The same goes for the flu vaccination, please get it to maximise your overall protection from what is a nasty illness that could land you in hospital, or worse.”

The autumn Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination programmes are among a package of measures to prepare for winter as the health service in Greater Manchester continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency care services.

Bed capacity is being ramped up, there will be more 999 and NHS 111 staff, and the integrated care system will work to ensure patients can be discharged from hospital back to their own home or into the community with appropriate support as soon as it is clinically appropriate to do so.

Jane Pilkington added:

“We want people in Greater Manchester to stay safe and to stay well, and we’re making the Covid-19 booster and the annual flu vaccination available to the people that need it most.

“The NHS in Greater Manchester will be here if you need us this winter; please help us to help you by getting your vaccinations done at the earliest opportunity.”