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Still time for adults at risk from flu and COVID-19 to have their jabs

06/12/2022

This article is more than one year old.

This article is from 6 December 2022 - the situation may change with time

The local NHS is reminding adults with long-term health conditions to have a free flu jab and COVID-19 booster before the start of the festive season to help protect them over the holidays and this winter.

Those eligible for both vaccines include people over the age of 50 and those with a health condition such as:

asthma
bronchitis
heart disease
chronic kidney disease
diabetes
a weakened immune system; or
who have had a stroke*.

People aged 16 and over with a health condition are being invited by the NHS to book online for an appointment for the booster vaccine via this web page:

Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

or by calling 119.

Appointments are being offered at the Kassam vaccination centre in Oxford. They are also available at community pharmacies, local GP-led vaccination sites and walk-in services.

Adults aged 18 to 49 with a health condition can also have a free flu vaccine by contacting their GP surgery or at a pharmacy that offers the service:

Book or manage a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, Urgent Care Clinical Lead at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), and a local GP, said:

"There is still time for patients at risk from flu and COVID-19 to have both vaccinations before the start of the festive season, to protect themselves, their family and friends over the holiday period and beyond. Having these jabs reduces the chances of catching flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which could be dangerous or even life threatening.

"It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time, and if this is offered then please take it up - but people may need to book them separately. You don't need to wait to be contacted to get vaccinated as you can book online for a booster or use a walk-in service where available; contact your GP practice for an NHS flu jab or attend a pharmacy that offers one."

For more information on the NHS flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster vaccine including how to book, where to get the vaccines and to find out who is eligible, please visit:

Flu vaccine

Those eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine include:

a first booster for everyone aged 16 and over, and some people aged 12 to 15 who are at high risk from COVID-19, once they have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination course
a seasonal booster (autumn booster) for some people, including those aged 50 years or over, those at high risk from COVID-19 or who are pregnant, and frontline health and social care workers.

If people have not had a first booster dose yet, they are still eligible and can book any time. Those eligible for both only need one booster during the autumn.

To book a booster please visit:

Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

or call 119.