Winter COVID booster campaign launches

As winter approaches, NHS, CARE and Public Health England are launching the Boost campaign to encourage all health and social care workers to take up vaccinations against the threat of COVID-19.  The campaign seeks to remind staff across all specialisms and roles, including speech and language therapy, to protect themselves and gain a further boost of protection ahead of the upcoming winter season.

All frontline workers in England are eligible for the winter program of booster vaccinations, regardless of their own personal health. COVID-19 boosters can be booked through the national booking service, calling 119 or finding a walk-in appointment clinic through the online vaccination walk-in finder. Depending on your place of work, your employer might also offer you a booster.

Frontline workers are also being encouraged to take up seasonal flu vaccinations if they are offered by their employer.

In addition to healthcare workers, members of the public with certain underlying conditions are also being encouraged to take up the offer of further protection this winter. NHS England have published an up-to-date list to help healthcare workers and their patients determine if they are eligible for another full dose or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

The RCSLT have a number of resources available for all our members (both in the NHS and independent practitioners) to help you access vaccination protection, including a key worker letter to prove your worker status.

Members working in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should follow the current guidelines in their areas about vaccinations this season.