NHS urges Lincolnshire people to book winter vaccines with only two weeks left for online bookings
Posted on: 1st December 2023
Getting vaccinated will help increase protection against flu and Covid-19, which is particularly important ahead of the winter holidays, which is often the time when more of us will meet indoors where respiratory viruses can circulate and spread more easily.
“It can take up to two weeks to build up maximum protection after you have had a Covid-19 or a flu vaccination, so with Christmas just over three weeks away, it is best to get vaccinated now to make sure you are protected from getting seriously ill,” explains Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
“The uptake of the Covid-19 vaccination by Lincolnshire people has been tremendous once again and we are still vaccinating a good number of people nearly three months after the campaign started. Our vaccination teams have done a brilliant job and are keen to see as many people as possible over the next two weeks.
“It’s important to keep your protection against both flu and Covid-19 topped up, so please remember that the 15th December is the last date that vaccination appointments made online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119 will be available and you will need to book these no later than the 14th December.”
GP practices and community pharmacies across Lincolnshire continue to offer both Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. If you have received a letter or text from your GP practice inviting you to book in for your vaccination with them, you can do this either direct with the practice or by using the National Booking Service or by calling 119 (by 14th December).
For a list of the community pharmacies and a map showing their location, visit NHS Lincolnshire ICB’s ‘grab a jab’ page or click here.
“After 14th December, eligible people may be able to access a Covid-19 vaccination directly with a local pharmacy, or visit an outreach vaccination clinic, but there will be fewer appointments available and you may have to travel further. Those people who are eligible for a free flu vaccination can still contact their GP practice or visit a pharmacy offering the service, if aged 18 or over,” adds Julie.
People eligible for both winter vaccines – flu and Covid-19 – include all aged 65 and over, including those turning 65 years of age by 31st March 2024, those that are pregnant, those aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.
The central vaccination team is continuing to run a number of outreach Covid-19 vaccination clinics for anyone who is eligible and appointments can be booked by calling 01522 301940, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 1pm. Alternatively they can be attended as a walk-in without the need for an appointment. There are more details here.
In addition, On Saturday 2nd December, the vaccination team at the Weighing Rooms, Carholme Road, Lincoln, will be holding Covid-19 vaccination clinics for 5-11 year-olds who are in a clinical risk group, between 9.30am – 1pm, and for 12-17 year-olds who are in a clinical risk group or household contacts of persons (adults or children) who are immunosuppressed, between 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Either clinic can be booked by parents or guardians using the National Booking Service or by calling 119