Encouraging vaccination take-up

Update 27 September 2024

The National Booking Service opened on 23 September 2024.

We have received a further letter from DHSC dated 27 September 2024 which sets out the details of the winter vaccination programme.

There are concerns about the drop in flu vaccine uptake last winter across all eligibility groups compared with the previous year.

Update 20 September 2024

Communications materials to support 'Get winter strong' winter vaccination uptake campaign amongst frontline healthcare professionals are now available to download from the Campaign Resource Centre. Campaign resources include:

• Core posters and empty belly posters
• Social media graphics
• Digital screens
• Email signatures
• Stickers
• Posters and social media graphics for localisation.

Eligible frontline health and care professionals may be offered a COVID-19 vaccination by their employer from 3 October or can book online at http://www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations from 23 September.

COVID-19 autumn vaccination guidance

The COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to people aged 65 years and over, those in older adult care homes and those aged 6 months and over in clinical risk groups from October 2024. Those who are also eligible for the flu vaccine, may be able to have them at the same time.

As per the NHS website, the vaccination booking service will open from Monday 23 September for bookings from October. A person's NHS Number is used to check eligibility. Those booking can book COVID-19 vaccination alone, or COVID-19 and flu vaccinations together.

People will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which produces higher levels of antibodies against some strains of Omicron.  The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has concluded that both of these updated vaccines can be used in adults. More information can be found in the autumn vaccination guidance.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated the COVID-19: Green Book, Chapter 14a to include vaccine choice, doses and eligibility criteria for Autumn 2024 campaign.

The Minister for Care, Rt Hon Stephen Kinnock MP, has written to adult social care leaders on preparations for winter 2024-25. In the letter, the Minister encourages providers to encourage uptake of flu and COVID vaccinations and to continue to follow infection control guidance (general guidance and acute respiratory infection guidance).

The Minister has also asked providers to ensure they maintain business continuity plans that cover severe winter weather, disruptions to energy supply, disrupted transport and staff shortages. We have guidance for members on winter planning and the Care Provider Alliance (which we are part of) has resources for business continuity planning.

The letter can be found here.

Vaccination of health and social care workers

For frontline health and social care workers and staff working in care homes for older adults NHS England are asking employers, in the above letter, to signpost these staff to the most convenient COVID-19 vaccination offer. This may be through NBS, where staff can self-declare their eligibility.

Trusts should offer COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time as their occupational health offer for flu vaccination.

In line with the existing flu occupation health offer, payments will not be made to trusts for vaccinating staff.

Social care staff without an employer-led occupational health scheme can continue to access the flu vaccination through their GP, community pharmacy or NBS.
 

Flu vaccination

2024-25 season

The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency published their annual flu letter on 12 March 2024, which sets out guidance for the 2024 to 2025 season. This was updated in a letter issued on 21 August 2024 from Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, NHS England.

The correspondence confirms that there are no changes to the eligible cohorts for the coming year, although there are changes to timing. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised moving the start of the programme for most adults to the beginning of October, so most vaccinations are completed by the end of November, closer to the time that the flu season commonly starts - flu typically peaks in December or January.

The letters say all frontline health care workers, including both clinical and non-clinical staff who have contact with patients, should be offered flu vaccine from October as a vital part of the organisation's policy to prevent the transmission of flu. Social care workers directly working with people clinically vulnerable to flu should also have the flu vaccine provided by their employer. There are circumstances where frontline staff, employed by specific social care providers without access to employer led occupational health schemes (see cohort eligibility below), can access the vaccine through the NHS free of charge. 

As flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults, the JCVI has agreed that the children’s programme should continue to start in September as early as delivery and supply allows. Vaccination of pregnant women should also start in September. For more detail, see the National flu immunisation programme 2024 to 2025 letter - GOV.UK.

The letter says the following groups are to be offered flu vaccination in line with the announced and authorised cohorts (see timings section):

From 1 September 2024:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

From October 2024, exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course:

• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter 19)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

GPs can use their clinical judgement and bring forward vaccination from October in exceptional circumstances, as outlined in the Green Book.  For example, for those who are due to commence immunosuppressive treatment, such as chemotherapy.

The letter also contains details of the recommended vaccines, so stocks can be ordered by NHS flu vaccination providers.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination

There is a new vaccination programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). From September people will be offered a vaccination when they turn 75. This September there will be a one-off opportunity to catch up for those aged 75-79. There is also a programme for pregnant women to protect infants. You can find an information leaflet about the vaccination programme here:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 

Useful information from previous vaccination campaigns

Campaign assets and publicity material to support the vaccination campaign are available from: Health and Social Care Workers Winter Vaccinations Campaign Resources.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has published an online guide and printed version, available to order free, together with links to translations and accessible versions. 

Homecare staff in England have been eligible in each campaign for free COVID-19 vaccination boosters (as well as primary course vaccination if staff have not had this already).

Care workers are encouraged to be vaccinated and able to self-declare they are frontline health and social care staff for the purposes of booking an appointment. 

Some COVID-19 and flu vaccination centres may check eligibility on site before administering the vaccination, so it may be advisable for careworkers to take one of the following with them to show, if asked:

• A workplace photo ID card; or
• A payslip from the last three months; or
• A letter from their employer dated within the last three months.

The Care Provider Alliance has issued a template letter for employers of proof of workers’ employment status (this requires a small amount of updating for use in 2022/23).

Local authorities in England are encouraged to use the Good practice for local booster vaccination guidance (February 2022) to promote uptake amongst social care staff.

Targeted communications resources:

• Pregnant Women – DHSC video featuring Dr Viki Male, an immunologist researching vaccines in pregnancy at Imperial College. She explains some of the data and encourages pregnant women to come forward for their autumn booster: X/Twitter and Facebook.
• Autumn Booster graphic – outlines the eligibility for online booking: X/Twitter.
• Explainer Video – featuring the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite, outlining the importance of getting vaccinated if eligible: X/Twitter and Facebook.

In previous years there have been schemes to ensure people who are unable to go out can be vaccinated at home.  Please check your local arrangements for information.

Respiratory infections

There is Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
 

COVID-19 vaccination

Eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccine autumn 2024 in Wales includes frontline health and social care workers: https://www.gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme#107233.  This information lists local health board contact details.

Public Health Wales information on immunisation and vaccines: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/ and COVID-19 vaccination information - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales).

Vaccine resources for health and social care professionals: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/vaccine-resources-for-health-and-social-care-professionals/

Flu vaccination

There is guidance on the flu vaccination programme for 2024-2025 here: https://www.gov.wales/flu-vaccination-programme.

Flu vaccination information: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/

Influenza (flu) - Information for health and social care workers eligible for the vaccine:

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/influenza-flu-information-for-health-and-social-care-workers-eligible-for-the-vaccine/

Domiciliary care workers are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, this is generally given at their community pharmacy.

Definitions for eligibility criteria:

phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/flu-documents/care-homes-domiciliary-care-services-definitions-eligibility-flu-vaccination-23-24/

RSV vaccination programme in Wales

https://www.gov.wales/rsv-vaccination-programme#:~:text=offered%20RSV%20vaccination.-,Eligibility,of%20protecting%20their%20newborn%20babies)

COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations - 2024/25 campaign

JCVI advice on winter COVID-19 vaccination, published 2 August 2024: https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2024/august/jcvi-advice-on-winter-covid-19-vaccination/

Scottish Vaccine update: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/scottish-vaccine-update/scottish-vaccine-update-issue-83/#section-4

There is information on Winter Vaccinations in Scotland. Those eligible include frontline social care workers.

Further details of flu immunisation is available at: Flu immunisations - Seasonal immunisations - Immunisations - Our areas of work - Public Health Scotland

Further details of COVID-19 vaccination is at: COVID-19 vaccinations - COVID-19 - Conditions and diseases - Our areas of work - Public Health Scotland.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme: https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2024/august/scotland-s-new-life-saving-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-programme-begins/

Local health boards in Scotland have been inviting all those currently eligible by letter to come forward for their free RSV vaccine including:

• Those turning 75 years old on and between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
• Anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 August 2024.

COVID-19 vaccination

Eligible groups for Covid-19 autumn booster 2024: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/eligible-groups-covid-19-autumn-booster-announced-0

Information about getting a vaccination is here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/get-covid-19-vaccination-northern-ireland
 

Flu vaccination

Health and social care workers are among the eligible groups for flu vaccination:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine#toc-4

Health and social care workers

All health and social care workers can receive the flu vaccine.

You can get the vaccine:

• from your employer (if your employer offers this service
• at a participating community pharmacy(external link opens in a new window / tab)
• from your local Trust
• your GP

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme launches in Northern Ireland | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)

For older adults: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-older-adults

For pregnant women: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-pregnant-women.

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage vaccination take-up.

Resources issued on 23 October 2022:

• Pregnant Women – DHSC video featuring Dr Viki Male, an immunologist researching vaccines in pregnancy at Imperial College. She explains some of the data and encourages pregnant women to come forward for their autumn booster: Twitter and Facebook.
• Autumn Booster graphic – outlines the eligibility for online booking: Twitter.
• Explainer Video – featuring the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite, outlining the importance of getting vaccinated if eligible: Twitter and Facebook.

Communications pack launched to accompany vaccination campaign (homecareassociation.org.uk)

There is technical health information on COVID-19 vaccination and who should receive it at: COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a

These are video clips by NHS doctors, nurses and other frontline staff to reassure communities that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been independently tested to the highest standards.  They are recorded in 18 languages, with a downloadable script in English.

Webinar – Your questions answered on the COVID-19 vaccine

This is a recording of a DHSC webinar for careworkers featuring Professor Jonathan Van Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Dr Nicki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead of the COVID-19 Programme answering questions on topics such as side effects, and pregnancy and fertility.

Webinar: Your Questions Answered on the COVID-19 vaccine - YouTube, 21 May 2021.

Additional resources to address vaccine hesitancy

• NHSE/I series of animations and suggested information aimed at tackling disinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging uptake among ethnic minority groups. The animations are available in 17 different languages available from YouTube.
• Dr Ammalina Bakri Insta Live Q&A on vaccine hesitancy
• NHS video: every vaccine gives us hope  
• Main link on the NHS website for the public to find out more information about the vaccine
• NHS video: what is the vaccine and how does it work?
• SE London ICS video: Tyrick’s Story
• SE London ICS video: Olie and Kadi’s story
• Videos from Islington Council showing social care staff, and local community leaders talking about their views and experiences about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
• Shareable video with comedian Jason Forbes challenging misconceptions.
• DCMS toolkit to tackle false and misleading information about the vaccine.
• Why is there Vaccine Hesitancy in the Black Community? (africacentre.org.uk)
• Vaccinations and religious belief - developments (homecareassociation.org.uk)

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage vaccination take-up.

Pregnant Women

COVID-19 vaccination: a guide on pregnancy and breastfeeding - GOV.UK)

DHSC video featuring Dr Viki Male, an immunologist researching vaccines in pregnancy at Imperial College. She explains some of the data and encourages pregnant women to come forward for their autumn booster: Twitter and Facebook.

There is a section in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a on pregnancy and fertility and COVID-19 vaccination and information at:

• COVID-19 vaccination: women who are pregnant or breastfeeding - GOV.UK
• Guidance - Safety of COVID-19 vaccines when given in pregnancy
• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Department of Health and Social Care information states:

• Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the known risks of Covid-19 in pregnancy for both mother and baby, including admission to intensive care and premature birth.
• Research shows pregnant women are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and 98 per cent of those in hospital due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Published data from mid-July show no pregnant woman who has had two doses of the vaccine was hospitalised from COVID-19 in the UK.  
• Pregnant women are also more likely to have severe COVID-19 infection if they are overweight or obese. The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) recommend vaccination as one of the best defences against severe infection. The JCVI recommends Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as the preferred vaccines for pregnant women coming for their first dose.
• Advice for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding is here. If you are 40 or over, and are booking your COVID-19 vaccination on NBS you’ll be asked if you are pregnant. This is to make sure people who are pregnant are only shown appointments for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
• Here is a video from Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwife for NHS England and NHS Improvement.
• NHS England » NHS encourages pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccine

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage vaccination take-up.

Sources of information include the British Fertility Society, Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

BFS & ARCS Covid-19 Vaccines & Fertility - updated FAQs - British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists 

The RCOG FAQs are here – Also on this page is a video from Prof Lucy Chappell about how the vaccine does not impact fertility. 

There is a British Medical Journal article showing there is ‘no evidence that vaccines can affect fertility’. 

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)