The NHS has issued an urgent call for eleven specific vulnerable groups to come forward for their autumn Covid-19 booster vaccines as cases continue to rise across the UK.
Health officials are particularly concerned about increasing hospital admissions among those most at risk from the virus, prompting this targeted vaccination drive.
Who exactly needs the booster now?
According to the latest NHS guidance, these are the groups being urged to book their appointments immediately:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Those aged 12 to 64 who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- People aged 16 to 64 who are carers
- Pregnant women
- Children and young people with specific underlying health conditions
- Those with learning disabilities
- Individuals with severe mental illness
- People who are immunosuppressed
Why the urgent push?
Health experts are witnessing a worrying trend as we approach the colder months. Hospital admissions for Covid-19 have been steadily increasing, putting additional pressure on the already strained NHS services.
"We're seeing the perfect storm of waning immunity from previous vaccinations and the emergence of new variants," explained one senior NHS official. "The autumn booster is crucial for maintaining protection against severe illness, particularly for those most vulnerable."
How to get your vaccine
The NHS has made it straightforward for eligible individuals to book their appointments. You can:
- Book online through the NHS website
- Use the NHS App
- Call 119 for telephone booking
- Some local GP practices and pharmacies are also offering walk-in services
Health officials emphasize that the booster vaccines have been updated to target current circulating variants, providing the best possible protection as we head into winter.
If you fall into any of these categories and haven't yet received your autumn booster, the message from the NHS is clear: don't delay in getting protected.
