Flu and COVID-19 autumn vaccine programmes brought forward

You may have seen the announcement by NHSE in regard to the upcoming autumn vaccination program. Due to a COVID-19 variant of concern the start date of the program has been brought forward to the Monday 11^th September.

The ICB is working with providers to ensure all care homes have a dedicated provider to ensure full coverage. The provider may be a GP, pharmacy, or a hospital team.

We ask that care home managers work with providers to accommodate clinics at pace, ensuring any family involvement if required, i.e., where power of attorney is in place, is supported prior to the vaccination visit date.

All front-line health and social care staff are eligible for a vaccination - we have seen an increase in staff sickness across the system related to covid and would urge all staff to come forward for their vaccination. Staff can go to their GP, a participating pharmacy, or in some area's a hospital hub.

Booking online via the National Booking Service will be available from Monday 18^th September.

Should you have any questions or queries in relation to this, please email bobicb-bw.bob-carehome@nhs.net

Thank you all for your continued support.

Zo Woods

BOB ICB All age Palliative and End of Life Care (PEoLC) and Care Homes Programme Lead

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board