The autumn 2023 Covid vaccination campaign is now underway.
This year, we will continue to focus on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill from Covid.
Those eligible this autumn are:
- All adults aged 65 years and older.
- Residents in care homes for older adults.
- Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
- Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression. 'Household contacts' means those who expect to share living accommodation on most days (and therefore continuing close contact is unavoidable) with people who are immunosuppressed.
- Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults. 'Carers' means those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those aged 16 years and over who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of Covid-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable.
- The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) also advises primary course vaccination should be offered for individuals in the above groups who have not had any previous doses. They should receive a single dose of Covid-19 Vaccine during the campaign period.
It is important that everyone who is eligible takes up the offer of a booster in order to protect themselves, their family and friends and the NHS.
Most Herefordshire General Practice surgeries will be delivering their own Covid vaccination programme, alongside the seasonal flu programme.
Patients will be contacted by their surgery to come forward for their vaccinations in priority order, starting with the most clinically vulnerable patients. 'Clinically Vulnerable' means:
- Children of any age with severe neuro-disability, severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities (including Down’s syndrome and those on the learning disability register) or immunosuppression
- Adults who have underlying health conditions leading to greater risk of disease or mortality
- Those of advanced age (over 65)
In addition, we will be offering Covid vaccinations only for eligible groups at our Elgar House vaccination centre. Please see below for the most up-to-date information on when these will take place. These clinics are by appointment only, bookable via the National Booking System.