COVID-19 vaccination programme

The COVID-19 vaccination rollout began in England on December 8, 2020, with the first vaccinations being administered to high-risk groups such as the elderly, healthcare workers and care home residents. Since then, all individuals aged five and older have been offered at least two primary doses. In addition, a booster dose has been offered to eligible individuals, including those aged 50 and over, healthcare workers and people with underlying health conditions.

More than 70 per cent of the adult population in England has been fully vaccinated, and more than 85 per cent have received at least one dose. The vaccination programme has been carried out through a combination of mass vaccination centres, local pharmacies, GP surgeries, hospitals and outreach teams. 

In Lancashire and South Cumbria, the vaccination programme has been a huge success with more than 4.5m vaccinations administered to our population and more than 72 per cent of our population fully vaccinated. Our vaccination offer has evolved alongside the programme timeline – at the outset of the programme our system hosted seven mass vaccination centres, however these have now all been closed in line with the reduced need and demand. 

The programme today is predominantly provided by primary care with both GP practices and community pharmacies offering vaccinations to patients as required. 

COVID-19 vaccination helpline

If you need help or advice on how to get a COVID-19 vaccination, please contact 0300 7906 856 to speak to one of our friendly vaccination helpline colleagues.

Alternatively, complete the online form here.

Our current COVID-19 vaccination programmes

Autumn 2023 seasonal vaccinations

The Government has accepted Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice for a COVID-19 Autumn 2023 seasonal campaign. The groups to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine are:

• Residents in a care home for older adults
• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults.

The JCVI also advises primary course vaccination for individuals in the above cohorts who have not had any previous doses should be offered. They should receive a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine during the campaign period.

The Autumn Booster programme commenced in care homes on Monday 11 September and patients will be able to attend clinic appointments from Monday 18 September.

Eligible patients are able to book on the National Booking system for an appointment.

Most patients will also be contacted via their local vaccination provider.

Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will also all be among the groups to be offered a COVID-19 jab this winter, however they will not be identified nationally and therefore should just go ahead and book an appointment when they become available or use any local mobile vaccine service. No evidence of eligibility will be required.

A number of clinics across Lancashire and South Cumbria will also offer vaccines to eligible people on a walk-in basis, with no need to book an appointment. More details can be found at the website below.

Children aged six months to four years

Children aged six months to four years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Parents of eligible patients will be contacted by the NHS and offered a place on a clinic in their area.