The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people at higher risk to boost their protection against COVID-19 as the autumn/winter vaccination programme gets under way.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: "As time passes since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's understandable to want to forget about it. However, the disease is still with us, which is why we offer free vaccination to those most at risk from it. It's important to take up this offer if you are eligible to help protect yourself over the winter months."

The seasonal programme aims to strengthen immunity in advance of any potential rise in infections over the colder months. Those offered a COVID-19 booster include people aged 75 and over; residents of care homes; and individuals aged six months to 74 years who are immunosuppressed.

Rachel added: "If you are eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 this autumn and winter, you should make yourself aware of your own GP surgery's, trust's or community pharmacy's vaccination arrangements and work with them to get vaccinated. You may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 autumn vaccines. If you're offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.

"This year's flu vaccination programme is under way too, and people eligible for both vaccines are encouraged to get them. "Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu are still in circulation and can be life threatening for the most vulnerable people in society. Residents in older adult care homes, anyone aged 75 or over, and people who are immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.

"It is important to keep up to date with your vaccines, as viruses change and protection fades over time.

"The best way to help protect yourself and others is through vaccination. I would urge everyone who falls into an eligible group to take up the offer of free vaccination."

Access points for vaccination vary by group. GP surgeries are providing COVID-19 jabs to people aged 75 and over, and to those aged 18 to 74 who are immunosuppressed. Participating community pharmacies are vaccinating care home residents, people aged 75 and over, and immunosuppressed adults aged 18 to 74. Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust clinics are offering vaccines to those aged 75 and over, and to immunosuppressed people from six months to 74 years.

Housebound individuals who are eligible will be contacted by an HSC Trust team to arrange their vaccination. Further details are available at www.pha.site/covid.

Throughout October and November, the PHA, working with community pharmacies and the Department of Health, is running the 'Stay Well This Winter' campaign to help people prepare for the colder months. Through the Living Well service, you can visit your local pharmacy for advice on vaccinations, staying warm, hand hygiene, and over-the-counter treatments for minor illnesses that do not require antibiotics. Find out more at www.pha.site/staywellthiswinter.