This Thursday sees launch of local NHS autumn vaccination campaign

COVID vaccinations will be available across Suffolk and north east Essex from Thursday October 3, either by going to a community pop up clinic, pharmacy walk-in session or making a booked appointment at a GP or pharmacy via the NHS national booking system.

By taking up the offer of vaccination those most at risk will be able to best protect themselves and others against developing serious illness, ending up in hospital or even death.

Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, women who are pregnant, care home residents and those aged 6 months to 64 years who are who are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID due to a health condition or treatment.

Read more on eligibility.

In addition to COVID vaccinations, people in the above groups will also be eligible for a flu vaccination. A flu vaccination may be offered as part of the same appointment as the COVID booster. Flu vaccinations can also be accessed by going to a community pop up clinic, pharmacy walk-in session or making a booked appointment at a GP or pharmacy via the NHS national booking system.

RSV vaccinations are also being offered to people aged 75 to 79 years and pregnant women from 28 weeks. The vaccination helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, which can make babies and older adults seriously ill. RSV vaccinations can be accessed via GP practices and for pregnant women in community settings. For the first time, RSV vaccinations will also be available at some Suffolk and north east Essex pharmacies

The dedicated local vaccination website www.sneevaccine.org.uk already has details listed for more than 100 community pop up clinics and pharmacy walk-in sessions taking place across Suffolk and north east Essex in the coming weeks for COVID, flu and RSV vaccinations with dates and locations being regularly updated.

Booked COVID booster vaccinations and flu vaccinations can also be made via the national NHS website.

The local NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 389 6819 is available to anyone who like to speak to someone for help and advice or email pals@snee.nhs.uk