A Bolton GP is urging people to enjoy the Christmas holidays 'without the risk of becoming seriously ill'.

Dr Helen Wall is urging people to book their Covid-19 booster injections.

She is the  Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and GP in Bolton 

Dr Wall said: “It’s great news that more than 400,000 people who are eligible for the autumn/winter COVID-19 booster have already come forward for the extra protection.

"But with more than half of those eligible still to be vaccinated, I would urge anyone who is eligible and has yet to get the top up of protection, to book one of the thousands of appointments we have available and get protected in time for Christmas.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festive period and all the fun that comes along with it, without the risk of becoming seriously ill, which is why the vaccines are so important.

"They continue to provide the best protection against complications and hospitalisation from COVID-19 and flu, so please make sure you get vaccinated when offered and encourage loved ones who are eligible to do the same.

“For the remaining time, booking an appointment is easier than ever, as well as the National Booking Service and calling 119, you can book on the NHS App.”

Autumn and winter is already associated with a rise in colds, flu and Covid-19, but it’s even more important that people who are at greater risk from Covid get their booster before the festive season. 

For more information about the Autumn Winter vaccine programme, visit: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/find-a-service/flu-and-covid-vaccinations/.

Those eligible for an autumn covid 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, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter (Green Book)

Frontline health and social care workers

Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts (as defined in the Green Book) of people with immunosuppression

Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and staff working in care homes for older adults.