People can now book their flu vaccine online from today (2 October) as the NHS booking system opens ahead of what could be a challenging winter for the health service.

As part of the NHS’s commitment to make it ever more convenient for people to book in for their winter vaccines, all eligible adults will now be able to book their flu jab appointment through www.nhs.uk/book-a-flu-vaccination , by downloading the NHS App or by calling 119.

New figures show more 142,700 people across our health region of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) have already received their flu jabs since the start of the campaign on 11 September, with many people choosing to “do the double” and receive their flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time.

During the same period over 100,289 Covid-19 jabs have been delivered in BOB, providing vital protection to those at greater risk of severe illness.

Last winter saw NHS staff treating significant numbers of patients in hospital with respiratory illnesses such as flu and Covid-19, and health bosses are encouraging people to come forward for their vaccines as soon as possible to better protect themselves and those around them this winter.

Care home residents were among the first to have had their protection topped-up ahead of colder months when flu, Covid-19 and other viruses circulate more, with BOB NHS teams delivering Covid-19 jabs to more than 134 local care homes so far.

The vaccination campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter, with the health service already facing immense pressure from ongoing industrial action and demand on emergency services, alongside the threat from viruses circulating more during colder months as more people gather together indoors.

The vaccination programme was brought forward based on the latest expert advice following the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant, and the NHS is encouraging everyone eligible to book an appointment to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccines as soon as possible, to protect those most at risk this winter.

Rachael Corser, Chief Nursing Officer for BOB said: “The NHS winter vaccination programme is already off to a strong start, with almost four million flu vaccinations and more than two million Covid-19 jabs already delivered nationwide, offering vital protection ahead of winter.”

“Last winter, hospitals saw significant numbers of people being treated for viruses like flu and Covid-19, and vaccines are our best defence – it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.”

“With appointments for adult flu vaccinations now available online or by calling 119, we urge people to come forward for both jabs as soon as they can.”