NHS England said Covid jabs were rolled out to those eligible on 3 October, and that in the 10 days to 13 October NHS staff delivered almost 4 million vaccines (3,794,214)1. The figures were published on 17 October alongside the first seasonal vaccination data of the autumn, which put combined Covid and flu vaccinations at more than 10 million (10,709,958)1.
In the week ending 13 October alone, more than 5.7 million Covid or flu vaccines were given (2,181,198 Covid-19 and 3,556,236 flu)1. The total for flu jabs given this autumn stood at almost 7 million (6,915,744 since 1 September), and more than 2.8 million Covid-19 jabs had been delivered in October so far1. In the first 10 days of the Covid rollout, around 600,000 Covid vaccines went to people in clinical risk groups1. The NHS said it had invited over 11 million people in England, but that those eligible do not have to wait for an invitation to book1.
The groups eligible for a Covid-19 and flu vaccination, as listed by NHS England, are set out below1.
| Eligible for Covid-19 and flu vaccination |
|---|
| Aged 65 or over |
| Pregnant |
| Aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) |
| Living in a care home for older adults |
| Frontline health and social care workers, including those working in care homes for older adults |
Additional groups listed as eligible for a flu vaccine include carers in receipt of carer's allowance or the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024, primary and secondary school aged children, all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years, and certain frontline social care workers without an employer led occupational health scheme1.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said:
"The threat of these viruses is real, and the best defence against these dangerous illnesses is vaccination, so it is crucial that anyone eligible comes forward for their vaccine appointment when they can to protect themselves and those around them, it could keep you out of hospital this winter".
The UK Health Security Agency's latest surveillance data showed an increase in Covid-19 and influenza hospitalisations and a rise in Covid-19 acute respiratory incidents in week 401. Julie Yates, UKHSA's Deputy Director of Immunisation Programmes, said every year many of those at greater risk do not get their vaccines, with many thousands ending up in hospital and "far too many tragically dying"1. She said those invited for a flu, Covid-19 or RSV jab are invited because they are at greater risk, and advised anyone unsure of their eligibility or with concerns to speak with their GP surgery or local pharmacist1.
For the first time in NHS history, RSV vaccinations began on 1 September for pregnant women and older adults, with 714,699 RSV vaccinations administered to date1. Pregnant women at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP practice, and those aged 75 to 79 should wait to be invited by their GP practice1.
Why it matters for households
The campaign affects households in England with members in the eligible groups, including everyone aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people with certain long term health conditions, care home residents and frontline health and social care workers1. NHS England said anyone eligible can book a Covid-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free, and that walk-in sites are available for the Covid-19 vaccine1. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy1. UKHSA advised those invited not to delay and to get the vaccines, and to speak with their GP surgery or local pharmacist if unsure about eligibility or with any concerns1. The guide on who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now sets out eligibility in more detail, and the vaccinations guide covers the wider set of outbreak vaccines; the UK Health Security Agency page explains its alerts and outbreak advice, and the health emergencies hub collects the related guidance.
What happens next
NHS England said data on the autumn vaccination campaign will be published weekly on the NHS England website1.
Who Can Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
