NHS winter vaccines open to eligible groups across regions

NHS vaccination programmes are opening for eligible groups across several English regions this autumn, offering free flu and COVID-19 shots through GP practices, pharmacies, schools, care homes and local clinics. NHS bodies are also promoting RSV and pneumococcal vaccines for eligible people, while local arrangements and eligibility details vary by region. In West Yorkshire, COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning for older adult care home residents, people aged 75 and over, and people aged six months to 74 with weakened immune systems. Flu vaccinations are also opening to eligible adult groups. Children and pregnant women began receiving flu vaccinations in September, and eligible children can use participating pharmacies, according to the regional health partnership. North East NHS experts estimate that about 1.6 million people in the region are eligible for a free flu vaccine this year and approximately 401,000 can receive a COVID-19 booster. Those figures are regional estimates reported by NHS officials. In that region, flu appointments for people aged 65 and over, adults with certain long-term health conditions and other eligible groups became available from October 1.