More than five million people have had the Covid-19 vaccine in Kent and Medway since the programme began three years ago this week, but there is still more to do
With three weeks until Christmas, the NHS is urging anyone still eligible for Covid-19 – and seasonal flu – vaccines to book an appointment and stay protected ahead of the festive period.
The national booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be open until Thursday, 14 December for pre-booked appointments – meaning the last pre-booked appointments will be on Friday, 15 December.
After this date, people can have their Covid-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or walk-in clinic until Wednesday, 31 January 2024.
Covid-19 vaccines are available at walk-in clinics across Kent and Medway or on the health and wellbeing bus.
Vaccines are the best way for people to make sure they and their families are protected against Covid-19 and flu this Christmas when the viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors. It takes about two weeks, following vaccination, to build up maximum defence against the viruses.
Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Vaccines are important to protect you and your family and I would urge you not to delay and to get vaccinated now.”
After 31 January, the opportunity to have a Covid-19 vaccination will close and people will need to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, when a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
The free flu vaccine is available until Sunday, 31 March.
Children will be offered the flu nasal spray at school until Friday, 15 December.
Parents can phone their GP practice until Sunday, 31 March to book an appointment for their two or three-year-old (aged two or three on 31 August 2023) or their child if they have certain health conditions.
For more information about vaccinations, visit www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk