The National Booking Service, used to book Covid-19 and flu vaccinations online, closed yesterday along with the 119 telephone service, with the last appointments made by either taking place today, Friday 15th December.
In Lincolnshire more than 206,000 Covid-19 vaccinations have been given since the autumn campaign started 12 weeks ago in September, and whilst the National Booking Service and 119 have now closed for bookings, eligible people will still be able to get vaccinated for a few more weeks.
“We’re now moving into the last phase of the current vaccination programme and we’ll be focusing our efforts on more outreach clinics and walk-in opportunities for people across the county,” explains Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
“From now until the end of January 2024, our vaccination teams will continue to visit different parts of Lincolnshire, to run more outreach clinics, although there will be fewer vaccination slots as the campaign slowly comes to an end over the next six weeks or so until the 31st January.
“In addition, the vaccination centre at the Weighing Rooms, Carholme Road, Lincoln, will be open for people aged 18 and over to walk-in for a Covid-19 vaccination every Thursday and Friday between 11am and 1pm, from 21st December until 26th January.
“We will also be running walk-ins for 5-17 year-olds to have a Covid-19 vaccination at the Weighing Rooms on Friday 22nd December, between 11am and 1pm, and then every Friday from 5th to 26th January.”
Please note the vaccination service will be closed between 23rd December – 3rd January 2024.
Some community pharmacies will continue to offer Covid-19 vaccinations until the end of January. In addition, anyone eligible for a free flu vaccination can still contact their GP practice or visit a pharmacy offering the service, if aged 18 or over, until 31st March 2024.
People eligible for both winter vaccines – flu and Covid-19 – include all aged 65 and over, including those turning 65 years of age by 31st March 2024, those that are pregnant, those aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.
“After 31st January, the current Covid-19 vaccination offer will close and most people will have to wait until a future seasonal campaign. However, if you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may be able to get vaccinated sooner, but only if your clinician advises it,” adds Julie.
Details of any currently scheduled and future outreach Covid-19 vaccination clinics can be found on our ‘Grab a jab’ page – all of these clinics can be attended on a walk-in basis.