NHS in Sussex launches the Autumn COVID-19 Booster Campaign
As part of a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter, the NHS has launched the Autumn COVID-19 booster programme. This is aimed at supporting enhanced protection against Coronavirus through the winter months.
This bulletin provides an update on who can access COVID-19 vaccinations and how and where they can do so.
Who is being offered a COVID-19 booster this autumn?
The NHS is prioritising protection for those at greatest risk, and is inviting eligible people via a letter, email or text when it is their turn to come forward.
On the 6th of September, frontline health and care workers, people who are immuno-suppressed and people aged 75 and over were the first to be called forward to book an appointment for their booster vaccination.
COVID-19 booster vaccinations are also being offered to:
- Residents in care homes for older people;
- People aged 50 years and older;
- People aged 5 years and over in a clinical risk group;
- People aged 16 to 49 years who are carers; and
- Health and social care staff.
Visits to care homes have already started and are currently underway across Sussex.
How to book your autumn COVID-19 booster?
Once the NHS have contacted you, you can book an autumn booster online or by calling 119.
The appointment dates you’ll be offered will start from 3 months after your previous COVID-19 vaccination dose.
Once invited, you can find your nearest vaccination site when you book using the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
There are vaccination services across our Sussex communities, run by GP led teams, pharmacy teams, and community NHS teams.
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations for other groups
It’s not too late to get an earlier dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if you need one.
Anyone needing a 1st or 2nd vaccination can still arrange one even when the autumn programme has started, including:
- Everyone aged 5 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose.
- People aged 12 and over who had a severely weakened immune system when they had their first 2 doses, will be offered a 3rd dose and a booster (4th dose).
You can:
- book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online or by calling 119 free of charge
- book your appointment directly with your GP-led local vaccination service when they contact you
- find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination session where you can get vaccinated without needing an appointment (not currently available for 5-11 year olds)
- have your vaccination at home if you are registered as housebound with your GP practice
- have your vaccination at your care home if you are a resident.
If you call 119, you can speak to a translator if you need to.
If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.
Support with travel to COVID-19 vaccinations
East Sussex residents who have no means to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment can book a free return journey to help them attend.
To book free travel please book your vaccination appointment or have confirmed plans to attend a walk-in session first and then call 01444 275 008 to speak to a travel coordinator.
Once you are through to a travel coordinator you will be asked the following questions:
- Do you have access to transport to attend your vaccine appointment?
- Do you have a family member, friend or carer who can help with transport? They do not have to be in your bubble as per government guidelines.
If both of these options are not available, the travel coordinator will arrange transport for you, including any additional needs such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles.
All transport providers have signed up to a COVID-19 safety policy to ensure that all precautions are in place for a safe journey.
Further Information and Support
For further information about COVID-19 vaccinations in Sussex and the launch of the autumn booster programme please visit the Sussex Health and Care website.
This site has the latest updates, as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and detailed information for specific groups.
If you can’t find the information you are looking for you or require further assistance you can contact the Sussex Vaccine Enquiries Team via:
Email: vaccineenquiries@nhs.net
Enquiry phone line: 0800 433 4545 (open 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday).
Please note that the enquiries team cannot book a vaccination appoint for you. Please wait to be contacted.
Contact Us
For more information or further support about COIVD-19 vaccinations or other health and care services please contact our Information & Signposting service for independent advice.
Call us: 0333 101 4007
Email us: enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk
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