Locally, we saw an increase in COVID-19 cases over the summer period. While rates are now coming down, they may increase again in the autumn and winter. Vaccination remains our best defence against infection, and we urge people to get their autumn booster to help protect themselves and others.
What are the plans for autumn/winter vaccinations?
A comprehensive COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme led by Greater Manchester’s GPs, pharmacies and hospitals will be delivered in local communities from September 2022.
The autumn COVID-19 booster uses a next generation, bivalent vaccine.
COVID-19 autumn boosters
COVID-19 autumn boosters will be available to:
- residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers
- all adults aged 50 years and over (beginning with those 75 and over or with a weakened immune system)
- those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
- those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- those aged 16 to 49 years who are carers
The NHS is inviting eligible people when it’s their turn to come forward. If people believe they are eligible because they have had a weakened immune system, for example, because of an underlying health condition, medication or because of a transplant, please see below for how to book.
How will you get your COVID-19 booster vaccination?
COVID-19 vaccination boosters can be booked on the NHS website, or by phoning 119.
Walk-in vaccination sites (where you attend without an appointment) may be available, but please check availability first.
You can also find a list of walk-in sites in Trafford and across Greater Manchester on Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership under the ‘walk-in Covid vaccination clinics’ heading.
Teams started vaccinating care home residents and people who are housebound during the week beginning 5 September.
Eligible Trafford people may receive a letter from the NHS advising how to book. If you prefer to have your vaccine with your local GP, you can instead choose to wait a short time to receive an invite and a link to book an appointment from your GP practice. Trafford GPs are currently setting up these clinics, and we advise people to wait for the booking link.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccinations will be available to:
- pre-school and primary school children
- those aged 65 years and over
- those in clinical risk groups
As well as:
- all adults aged 50 to 64 years
- secondary school children in years 7, 8 and 9, who will be offered the vaccine in order of school year (starting with the youngest first)
How will you get your flu vaccination?
Adults
If you're eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS. More information on the flu vaccine.
Children
Most children will have the vaccine at their school. More information on the child flu vaccine.
In some cases, you may be offered the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible for both.
Infection prevention
It continues to be important to follow good infection prevention and control measures as it helps to reduce the spread of illnesses:
- Hand washing
- Covering the nose and mouth during sneezing and coughing
- Letting fresh air into indoor spaces
- Staying at home if you are unwell
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:
- continuous cough
- high temperature, fever or chills
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
- sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick
Greater Manchester gets jabbing! - Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (gmintegratedcare.org.uk)
Posted on Friday 16th September 2022