27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
Home » News » BLMK Begins Rollout of Variant Busting Booster Jab
Following the updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is now undertaking the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to ensure the local population is protected as the region heads into winter.
Starting this week, local NHS staff began vaccinating care home residents and people who are housebound as part of the largest and fastest vaccine drive in health service history.
The National Booking Service opened this week ahead of the wider rollout, due to start on the 12 September, with the NHS inviting those who are most susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19 and those aged 75 and over to book an appointment from that week.
The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine – you do not need to contact the NHS.
Extensive planning for the rollout has already taken place and local areas have already booked adult care home residents in for their vaccine to ensure they can get protected at the earliest opportunity.
As with previous campaigns, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called forward first, with people able to book online or through 119, as long as it has been at least three months since their last dose.
Updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna and Pfizer targeting new coronavirus variants (known as a “bivalent” vaccine) have been approved for booster doses by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster in line with guidance set out by the JCVI.
Across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes vaccination sites include GP practices, community pharmacies and large vaccination centres as well as outreach sessions.
Craig Lister, Associate Director and the COVID and Flu immunisation and vaccination strategy lead for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said:
“When the time comes, I strongly encourage anyone who is invited to take up both an autumn booster and flu jab, to do so as quickly as possible – it will give you maximum protection this winter.
“Our local NHS are offering people the new next generation of bivalent vaccines. These new vaccines are the best way to protect against serious illness and will help protect the NHS this coming winter.
“The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to get an autumn booster and we will be inviting the first people outside of a care home to book in ahead of the formal rollout in early September – please book in as quickly as possible when invited to give yourself protection this winter.”
Eligible individuals may be offered the flu and COVID jab at the same time, as the vaccines have been approved to be co-administered.
Health and social care staff will also be eligible to get the autumn booster in line with JCVI guidance to ensure front-line staff are protected, all providers are being asked to ensure their staff are offered the autumn jab, co-administering with the flu jab where possible.
Vicky Head, Director of Public Health for Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Councils, said:
“Thanks to vaccination, COVID-19 is now having less impact on our lives, but it is still very much with us. It’s really important that we boost our defences as we go into the winter to keep the ongoing impact as low as possible. I’d urge everyone eligible for a new and updated booster vaccination to take up that offer, even if you know you’ve had COVID-19 before. The new vaccine is a better match to the variants that are circulating now and will help prevent serious illness and the disruption that causes and will save lives.”
Sally Cartwright, Director of Public Health for Luton, added:
“While many people might think that COVID is over, it is not and is still very much with us! We know that having the autumn booster is the very best defence and protection to tackle this disease.
“As we now move towards winter, it is vitally important that we continue to all do what we can to keep Luton safe, slow the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and are at risk of becoming seriously ill.”
For further information visit: https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/covid-19/
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
20 June 2025
Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…
Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…
17 June 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…
11 June 2025
Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet
During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…
9 June 2025
Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives
As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…
6 June 2025
Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…