NHS England launched its autumn COVID-19 and influenza vaccination campaign on Tuesday, inviting older adults, care home residents and clinically vulnerable people to book appointments as a late-summer coronavirus wave persisted across the country. The rollout follows guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The programme prioritises adults aged 65 and over, residents and staff in care homes for older people, frontline health and social care workers and people with weakened immune systems. Eligible patients can book through the national booking service, the NHS App or by calling 119, with vaccinations delivered at pharmacies and GP practices.

The campaign begins earlier than in previous years. UK Health Security Agency surveillance showed rising positivity rates and hospital admissions among older age groups in recent weeks, prompting the accelerated start.

Public health leaders urged eligible people not to delay, warning that immunity from earlier doses wanes over time and that co-circulating influenza posed added risk to vulnerable populations heading into autumn. Care home providers were asked to arrange on-site clinics quickly to protect residents.

A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson said vaccination remained the most effective way to reduce severe illness, hospitalisation and death from both viruses among those at highest risk this winter.