Man being given a vaccination

Get vaccinated to help you stay well this winter

As we move towards the winter months and are starting to see a rise in cases of COVID-19, Northumberland County Council’s Director of Public Health is appealing to everyone to do all they can to stay well this winter and look out for others.  

Liz Morgan said: “The Covid vaccine is still the best way of reducing the serious health harms caused by the virus. The NHS is already under great pressure and we’re expecting a tricky winter with flu and covid so I would urge everyone to do all they can to look after their health and if you are eligible, take up the offer of your Covid booster and/or flu vaccine. 

“Respiratory illnesses can affect anyone, but some people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk, and it’s particularly important they are vaccinated”.   

By remaining vigilant and continuing to follow some simple steps, we can all help prevent the spread of winter bugs: 
  • Get yourself vaccinated. If you’re eligible have your Autumn COVID-19 booster which provides additional protection against multiple variants, and your free flu vaccine.  
  • Continue to wear a mask on public transport and in crowded spaces.   
  • ‘Hands, face, space’ still works against COVID, flu and other winter viruses. 
  • You can help blow viruses away by opening windows and letting in fresh air - keep air flowing. 
  • If you do start to feel unwell, stay at home if you can and limit your contact with other people. 
There is lots of evidence that shows that taking these simple measures can reduce the number of deaths, hospital admissions and infections caused by COVID-19 and flu and slow transmission.   

The Autumn COVID-19 booster programme is being delivered by both GP-led Primary Care Networks and Community Pharmacy sites. There are 21 designated sites in Northumberland which are providing vaccinations and are spread across the whole county.  

Those eligible for the Autumn booster include people aged 50 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 5 years and over in clinical risk groups.  A booster will also be offered to front-line health and social care staff, those who care for vulnerable individuals and families of individuals with weakened immune systems. 

There are two different ways to access the vaccination: 
  • Via the National Booking Service, which is available on the telephone via 119, or online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ New clinics are being added regularly as vaccine supply is confirmed. 
  • Via your local GP practice using a local booking service. You will be contacted via your GP practice if they are offering this service and you do not need to contact them. Please wait patiently to be contacted. You will not be missed if you can’t get to one of the sites offered through the National Booking Service. 

Where a GP practice or local Primary Care Network (PCN) is not providing COVID-19 vaccinations, patients will be advised by them to access appointments via the National Booking Service. 

Liz continued: “GP practices using local booking will not be visible on the National Booking Service which may give the impression that the only available vaccines are at sites which are a significant distance away. This is not necessarily the case and if travel is inconvenient for you, please wait to be contacted by your GP/PCN to receive your jab more locally.  

“They are currently prioritising the vaccination of our most vulnerable residents in Care Homes and those who are housebound, before they move on to their wider patient populations. Please be patient, you will not be missed.” 
View all news