FOUR MILLION people will receive a covid boost jab from this year as the NHS launches the next phase of its vaccination programme.
The autumn booster rollout starts with 1.6 million care home residents and staff, and those who are housebound. The aim is to reach the most vulnerable ahead of winter.
The process will take place across September and October.
Those who are over 75s, or have a weakened immune system, will also be eligible to book a vaccine, with the first appointments available next week.
Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster over the comings weeks, which includes over 50s, those with a weakened immune system, health and social care workers and care home residents and housebound people, in line with guidance set out by the JCVI.
The NHS says it will contact people when it is their turn to book in.
A record 3,100 sites are expected to be part of the rollout, including GP practices and community pharmacies, with new sites joining the programme all the time.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “The precision and speed of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme allowed us to get back to a pre-pandemic way of life and doing the things that we love.
“While we know that this winter will be challenging with a likely resurgence in both covid and flu for the first time since before the pandemic, the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from serious illness is to get the newly approved, next generation covid vaccine when invited to do so, as well as your annual flu jab, to ensure you have maximum protection.”
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “NHS staff are gearing up once again to deliver these vaccines at speed rolling out jabs at more than 3,000 sites across England in order to provide the maximum protection ahead of winter.”
The autumn booster campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter as the health service continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency care services, including by ramping up bed capacity, increasing the number of 999 and NHS 111 staff, and working with colleagues in social care to ensure patients can be discharged in a timely manner.
