The NHS is urging anyone eligible for Covid and flu vaccines to make a booking before online bookings close in two weeks.

The public are urged to get protection ahead of Christmas.

The NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be closed for flu and COVID vaccine bookings from 15 December and there are still hundreds of thousands of appointments available every week.

As of 30 November, a total of 11,404,669 COVID and 16,190,661 flu vaccinations have been administered by the NHS in England since the beginning of the autumn campaign.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening for NHS England, said: “It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID vaccines online – with thousands of eligible people having already taken up the offer this year and record numbers booking via the NHS app – but with just two weeks to go until online bookings close, we’re urging those who haven’t yet come forward to do so.

“NHS staff continue to deliver vaccines at more sites than ever before, and we’ve seen record numbers choosing to have their flu and COVID vaccines at the same time, making it even easier for people.

“We’re getting closer to the festive period when lots of people will be coming together with their families and friends, and getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you and those around you from getting seriously ill during the colder months – so, if you haven’t yet taken up the offer – now is the time to do so, nobody wants to be unwell at Christmas”.

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay