03 January 2024 , 10:28
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It's the last chance for Brits to get a seasonal Covid vaccine with the cut-off in just a few weeks.
The NHS has warned those in need of the jab to protect themselves from increased risk of a severe form of the virus that booking online or by calling 119 is no longer an option - though booking at a walk-in site may be possible.
The last date for the current seasonal Covid vaccine is January 31. This winter saw the fastest ever start to the NHS flu vaccine rollout on record and more people than ever before – over 4.5 million people – received their flu and Covid vaccines in the same appointment.
Figures show as of November 30, a total of 11,404,669 Covid and 16,190,661 flu vaccinations had already been administered by the NHS in England since the beginning of the autumn campaign – including 61.5 percent of people ages 65 and over having received their Covid vaccination.
After the cut off later this month, people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
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For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 15 December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over. The free flu vaccine offer will then close after March 31. However, getting it as soon as possible is encouraged to ensure protection over the colder months when flu is often in greater circulation.
Those who are eligible for seasonal Covid vaccine
- aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
- aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk
- living in a care home for older adults
- a frontline health or social care worker
- aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer
- aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system
Find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination site
A virulent strain of Covid which has become the dominant form of the virus worldwide has produced two new symptoms people have reported experiencing. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention previously warned the JN.1 strain of the virus is flourishing in the UK, as well as the US, Iceland, Portugal and Spain. Experts say it is also spreading rapidly through France, China and India. Health officials say they are still discovering more about JN.1 but fear the latest variant could become a serious health issue.
In the latest data from the Office for National Statistics it revealed as well as the usual symptoms previously reported by people with Covid, such as runny noses, coughs, headaches and weakness, some have said they have experienced trouble sleeping and anxiety as well.