The NHS has outlined how it plans to increase national uptake of vaccinations, including with an expansion of the NHS app.
The NHS vaccination strategy outlines how it will be made easier than ever before with an overhaul of the NHS App, one-stop shops and community outreach.
Over the coming months and years, millions more people will be able to view their full vaccination record and book in for vaccines on the NHS App.
Expansion of the app will also include include improved access to medical records and putting a personal history of potentially life-saving vaccines, such as HPV and MMR. New app features will also include new in-App bookings, invitation alerts and appointment notifications, which NHS leaders say will make “booking a jab as easy as booking a cab”.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS in England said: “Just over three years ago Maggie Keenan was the first person in the world to receive an approved Covid-19 jab and since that momentous day, the NHS covid-19 vaccination programme has delivered over 156 million Covid jabs and saved tens of thousands of lives – our vision for the future of vaccinations published today sets out how we plan to build on this huge success and save even more lives.
“Through the NHS app, we’ll make sure booking a jab can be as easy as booking a cab so millions more people can get vaccinated – users will be able to access their full vaccine status in a matter of seconds and book jabs with a simple swipe and tap.
“And we’ll continue to expand the amazing work of NHS staff, volunteers and partners to introduce even more pop-up sites in the heart of our local communities. So, when you are invited for any of your vaccinations, please do book without delay – it could be lifesaving.”
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening for NHS England, said: “Vaccination is one of the best ways to boost public health, second only to clean water, which is why our vaccine strategy takes vital lessons from our world-leading NHS Covid-19 vaccine programme and the extraordinary efforts of local teams who found innovative ways to reach people during the pandemic and saved thousands of lives.
“This includes taking vaccines into the heart of communities where we see lower uptake rates, so offering vaccines at pop-up clinics and health hubs in shopping centres, and local schools teams going into parents’ evenings to address barriers to people consenting to their child’s vaccinations.
“We want to see even more people supported to take up the offer of lifesaving vaccinations – it’s the best way to protect you and those around you from illnesses which can be fatal, so please do come forward if invited, and if you’re unsure or have questions, the NHS is here to help.”
