Village of Bulmer in Essex

High-risk groups and frontline staff are encouraged to book their Covid-19 booster as respiratory viruses rise in autumn.

The rollout follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that those at high risk of serious disease or illness should receive a Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and ICS Integration at Essex County Council, said: “The more people receiving Covid-19 vaccinations, the safer everyone in Essex will be over the coming autumn and winter months.

“With new strains and rising cases of Covid-19, it is vital those eligible take the opportunity to get their booster. The annual flu vaccination is also being made available where possible and is completely safe to take alongside the booster.”

Eligible groups identified by the JCVI include frontline staff, residents in care homes for older adults, those aged 65 and over, people aged between six months and 64 years in a clinical risk group, those aged between 12 and 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression and people aged between 16 and 64 years who are carers or working in care homes for older adults.

Those eligible should receive an invite for their Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination. Appointments can also be booked by calling 119, visiting www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine or going to a pharmacy.

Councillor Spence added: “Data from last autumn’s programme showed those who received boosters were about 53% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in the two to four weeks following vaccination.