COVID-19 autumn booster and flu jab invitations now being sent out

Invitations are now being sent out to all those who are eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster vaccination.

As in prior campaigns, older and more vulnerable people will be invited first – with other groups following in order of clinical priority.

Appointment letters will be sent to:

• Everyone aged 65 or over (including anyone who turns 65 on or before March 31, 2025)
• Everyone aged between six months and 64 with a health condition that puts them at higher risk from COVID-19
• Pregnant women

Most booster vaccinations will take place at a health board vaccination centre, however some patients may be invited to an appointment at their GP surgery or a nearby community pharmacy commissioned to deliver the vaccine.

During early October, the health board’s vaccination teams will prioritise offering booster vaccines to residents in care homes for older adults.

Appointments at vaccination centres for other groups will begin in mid-October.

People who are invited to receive the booster at their GP surgery may have an appointment earlier in October.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health board say that further rounds of invitations will be issued over the coming weeks and appointments will continue throughout November and December.

A health board spokesperson said: “Invitation letters will include the date, time and location of the appointment, as well as information about how to change an appointment if necessary.

“We encourage people invited to receive a booster vaccine to check their invitation carefully because the location of their appointment may be different from our previous campaigns.

“Where possible, COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines may be offered at the same time.

“In most cases, for practical delivery reasons eligible patients will be invited to receive the vaccines at two separate appointments.

“We encourage everyone eligible for the vaccines to take up their invitation to receive them as soon as possible this winter.”

Full details of eligibility for the COVID-19 booster and more information about the vaccine is available on the health board’s website.

Protection against flu for children and pregnant women

Parents of children aged two and three are now being invited to protect their little ones this winter with an NHS flu vaccine.

The painless, nasal spray vaccine helps to protect children from serious illness caused by flu.

It can also help to reduce transmission of the virus in the community, protecting other people who are vulnerable to the virus.

GP surgeries are inviting parents of children born between September 1 2020 and August 31 2022 to an appointment, or to book a place at a clinic.

Parents may be contacted by letter or text message, or should look out for vaccination opportunities being advertised by their surgery.

A health board spokesperson said: “We encourage parents to take up this important offer as soon as possible to protect some of the youngest residents of North Wales this winter.

“All primary and secondary school children (from Reception to Year 11) will be offered the flu vaccine at special clinics held in school during the autumn term.

“Parents should look out for more information about flu vaccination clinics being held at their child’s school and ensure they return a completed consent form before the session.

“Pregnant women may also be called to receive their flu vaccine during September.

“All other adults will be able to receive their NHS flu vaccine from the week beginning September 30. Full details of eligibility and how to get the vaccine are available on the health board’s website.”