Somerset is leading the region on the percentage of care home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 this winter. Over 90% of care home residents in Somerset have received their COVID-19 jab.
The winter vaccine roll-out began on the 11 September 2023 and 128,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and 164,000 flu vaccinations have been given in Somerset to date.
Shona Turnbull-Kirk, Associate Director for Health Inclusion for NHS Somerset, said: “This represents a significant milestone, offering vital protection to our most at-risk patients. Thank you to our dedicated GPs, community pharmacies and vaccination teams for their tireless efforts in administering COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to those eligible for winter boosters”.
GP practices and other NHS services have been contacting people to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, sometimes in the same visit. Currently, over 25% of flu and Covid vaccinations are being administered to individuals during the same appointment.
As part of the NHS’s commitment to make it ever more convenient for people to book in for their winter vaccines, all eligible adults can book their vaccination appointment online via the NHS App or by calling 119.
Starting this week walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are also available in Somerset, and you can find the details online.
You may be able get the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions or a learning disability
- are pregnant
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are a carer
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- live in a care home.
Most children can get the children’s flu vaccine. This includes children who turned 2 or 3 years by 31 August 2023, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain health conditions.
Cllr Adam Dance, Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset Council said: “I would encourage our residents to get both their COVID-19 and flu vaccination as soon as they can. It is important that our most vulnerable residents continue to protect themselves against COVID-19 and flu and that we avoid putting friends and family members at risk. The best way to do this is by getting vaccinated. It is easier than ever to get your vaccinations by either booking online, calling 119 or finding a walk-in clinic on the NHS website.”
