Health teams will visit nursing homes and private homes to vaccinate around 1.6 million residents, staff and homebound people in the latest phase of the vaccination programme, NHS England has announced. An additional 4 million people will be able to book their souvenirs from Wednesday, as well as health and social care staff who do not work in care homes. Appointments will be available from next week from Monday 12th September. These include those at highest risk, such as those over 75 and those with weakened immune systems. Letters inviting people to book their holiday will start landing on doormats next Wednesday and people are being asked to wait for their invitations before booking an appointment. The scheme will be expanded in the coming weeks to include 26 million people across England, including over 50s. A total of 3,100 locations are expected to be part of the effort, including doctors’ offices and community pharmacies. The UK is the first country in the world to approve Moderna’s bivalent vaccine – which targets the original Covid variant and the Omicron BA.1 variant The NHS does not expect supply to be a problem and everyone who is eligible is expected to get the double jab. The autumn recall campaign is part of a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter, including increasing bed capacity and the number of 999 and NHS 111 staff to deal with any additional pressures. Covid infections in most parts of the UK are falling, with levels in England falling below 1 million for the first time since early June, figures show. However, health experts have warned that the virus is likely to become more prevalent in autumn and winter. NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “The NHS will start vaccinating those most vulnerable to Covid from next week, with the autumn campaign starting in care homes from Monday and 4 million more people will invited to appear later in the week. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “NHS staff are once again gearing up to deliver these vaccines at speed, opening jabs at more than 3,000 sites across England to provide maximum protection ahead of winter.” Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: “An autumn booster will top up the immunity of those most vulnerable to Covid ahead of winter to help us continue to live with this virus without restrictions. “Please come for your booster and flu shot when invited.” The NHS is calling for volunteers to help with the booster program over the coming winter months. Volunteer administrators assist vaccination sites with non-clinical tasks, including transporting patients through the process and identifying people who need additional support. Shifts are flexible at various centers across England and can be booked using the GoodSAM mobile app. Expenses are covered and no qualifications are required. St John Ambulance is also calling for an additional 4,000 volunteer vaccinators to come forward.
