Prepare for winter with the COVID-19 autumn booster and flu vaccinations

Take steps to boost protection for yourself and the people you support by getting the COVID-19 autumn booster and flu vaccinations this autumn.

Autumn COVID-19 booster

People who are eligible for the COVID-19 booster include those who are:

• aged 65 and over
• aged 16 years to 64 years and a carer
• at high risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system
• living with someone with a weakened immune system
• residents or staff in long-stay residential care homes for older people or other long-stay care facilities

People at risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system should be invited by their GP for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.

If you are booking a COVID-19 booster as a carer, you can now book an appointment on the national booking website at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. You can also call 119 to book your jab.

More information about who can have the COVID-19 autumn booster and how to get it is available on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

Flu vaccination

Those who are eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine this winter includes those who:

• are aged 65 years or over
• receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• have certain health conditions

You may be invited for a vaccination by your GP practice if you are a registered carer, or because your age or a medical condition makes you more vulnerable to flu.

More information about who can have the flu vaccine and how to get it is available on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Vaccination appointments – what to take

If you have a COVID-19 booster vaccine booked as a carer, please take the following to your appointments:

• a COVID-19 booster vaccine invite letter (available on request from Carers in Hertfordshire)

or

• proof of receipt of Carer’s Allowance and photo ID

To request a COVID-19 booster vaccine invite letter from Carers in Hertfordshire, please email contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.

The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System’s website also has information about the vaccinations on offer this winter across Hertfordshire and west Essex to protect people against flu and COVID-19:  https://hertsandwestessexics.org.uk/winter-vaccines