NHS England announced on 8 October 2022 that more than six million people at risk or aged over 65 who have not yet had their autumn Covid booster will be reminded to book a jab the following week, ahead of winter. The reminders, a mixture of emails, letters and texts, were due to begin arriving from Monday.
The 6.6 million people being reminded are those most vulnerable to serious illness from Covid because they are over 65, have suppressed immune systems, are pregnant, have a learning disability or another health issue. In total, around 26 million people across England will be eligible for the latest autumn booster. Those currently eligible include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and frontline health and care workers. The programme has already delivered over 5.5 million autumn top-ups since its launch a month earlier, with appointments offered at a record 3,100 sites and 200 walk-in sites still available. Almost one in three people with suppressed immune systems have had an autumn booster; the rest are urged to come forward if it has been 91 days since their last dose.
NHS England said the latest Office for National Statistics figures showed around one in 50 people in England had Covid in the week ending 26 September, up by a quarter, with more than 9,500 patients in hospital with Covid-19. The NHS said it was preparing for winter by ramping up bed capacity and increasing the number of 999 and NHS 111 call handlers. More than 127 million vaccines have been given since the Covid-19 vaccine was first introduced.
"If for any reason you have not yet been able to get your autumn booster, I would strongly urge you to come forward as soon as possible and get protected, the vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from covid this winter."
NHS England said those who are at risk are able to self-declare, do not need to wait for an invite, and can attend a walk-in site or book online. It said anyone who needs help making an appointment should call 119. The NHS is also rolling out this year's flu vaccine, with eligible people able to get their flu and Covid jab at the same time depending on local arrangements.
Why it matters for households
The reminders affect households in England with someone aged 65 or over, pregnant, a frontline health or care worker, or with a suppressed immune system, a learning disability or another health issue. NHS England said those eligible do not need to wait for an invitation and can book online or attend one of 200 walk-in sites, and that anyone needing help making an appointment should call 119. It advises that people with suppressed immune systems can come forward if 91 days have passed since their last dose. The guide to vaccines that protect against outbreaks sets out the UK vaccination schedule, and the health emergencies hub covers wider health alerts.
What happens next
Reminders were due to begin landing from Monday. NHS England said around 26 million people across England will be eligible for the autumn booster in total.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
