The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will begin to invite eligible people for their life-saving autumn booster jabs from today. Frontline health and care workers, people who are immunosuppressed and people who are 75 and over will be able to book in for the variant-targeted vaccine from 7am this morning.

The most vulnerable to Covid-19 will be invited to book first, with letters landing on doormats this morning asking people to book a slot online or by calling 119. Appointments will be available from Monday 12 September at a number of sites across the region including at vaccination centres and community pharmacies. GP practices taking part in the autumn booster programme are also contacting patients proactively.

This is the latest part of the programme after autumn boosters started in care homes across the region earlier this week with both residents and staff taking up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccination. Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation, NHS England South West said: ‘We are now inviting those most at risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19 to come forward. The Covid-19 vaccine programme has been a huge success with millions of doses administered across the region.

‘We are now calling on those eligible to come forward and protect themselves and their loved ones as we move into the winter months. By coming forward to top up your immunity you will save lives.

‘Remember – please do not contact the NHS. We will contact you and invite you to book an appointment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.’

Around 26 million people across England will be eligible for an autumn booster over the comings weeks, which includes over 50s, those with a weakened immune system, health and social care workers, care home residents and housebound people and pregnant women, in line with guidance set out by the JCVI.

As with previous campaigns, those most at risk from serious illness will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose.

The NHS continues to advise local sites to allow people with a weakened immune system to self-declare and attend walk-ins to make getting the extra protection as easy as possible. Health and care workers can book through national booking services too.