The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to begin offering COVID-19 autumn booster vaccinations

In the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will join the rest of the country and launch the first autumn boosters across the county from early September onwards.

The life-saving booster jab will be available from the week of 5 September for those people who are most at risk from COVID-19.

The autumn booster jab will be offered to everyone aged 50 and over as well as those who are at highest risk from serious illness such as pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions as well as frontline health and social care workers.

As with previous vaccination phases, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119, provided it has been three months since their last dose.

With a plan to start vaccinating people in care homes from 5 September, the autumn booster campaign will then begin to offer vaccinations to people aged over 75 or clinically extremely vulnerable, from Monday 12 September, in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance.  The offer will then be opened up to the remaining eligible groups.  The NHS will invite eligible people when it’s time to come forward. Please wait to be contacted.

Craig Lister, Associate Director and the COVID and Flu immunisation and vaccination strategy lead for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said: “We’re really excited to get started with the autumn booster and hope that, like before, the people of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will come forward in their numbers to get vaccinated when it is their turn.

“Similarly, to last time, there are numerous ways that people may be contacted, and this may come from your GP or the NHS nationally, by letter or text message.  Our request is that you make an appointment to have your COVID booster as soon as you are eligible, and it has been at least 90 days since your last vaccination.

“You will be able to book an appointment for your autumn booster, either online using the National Booking System – which will be open from week commencing 5 September, offering appointments from 12 September onwards – or by telephoning 119. Also, your GP may contact you to book directly with them.

“Our advice hasn’t changed – if you’re eligible you should make an appointment and come forwards for your vaccination as soon as possible.  Getting vaccinated is still the best way to maximise your protection from COVID and serious illness, hospitalisation or even death.

“We’re expecting case numbers to rise again in the autumn and into the winter, so it really is crucial to get vaccinated when you can.”

As with previous rounds of the COVID vaccination, the NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will have vaccination sites around the region, the majority of which will be run by GP practices and community pharmacies, along with pop-up centres publicised on our website. 

To find out more about the autumn booster visit the NHS England website.

Flu vaccines will also be available to everyone aged over 50 from September – ensuring protection against two dangerous diseases as we head towards the autumn and winter.  These will be available for eligible people to book via their GPs or community pharmacy.  

Wherever possible, and subject to eligibility, clinicians across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will endeavour to offer local people a flu vaccination at the same time, as well as other important vaccines such as shingles and pneumonia.

First, second and third booster doses of the COVID vaccination are also still available to anyone who hasn’t already had them – everyone aged five and over can get two doses of the COVID vaccination, with people aged 16 and over able to have two doses and a third booster vaccination too.

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is still running a number of pop-up vaccination sessions, offering the chance to walk-in and get vaccinated without an appointment, across the county as listed on our website.

Alternatively, it is possible to book an appointment online using the National Booking System or by calling 119.