Covid-19 spring booster vaccination programme set to start

Vulnerable people will soon be called for spring covid-19 boosters to help those most at risk stay protected.

Those who are at highest risk of severe illness are being offered the chance to keep their immunity topped up with a the booster vaccination.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the government on covid vaccination, has indicated that vaccinations should begin from today (April 3) in older adult care homes and on April 17 for the rest of the eligible population.

The national booking system will be open for the public to start booking appointments.

The vaccination will be available through a mixture of walk-in and booked appointments at pharmacies, GP sites, at designated health centres and hospital hubs across the city and county.

Adam Hayward, deputy director of operations for the covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “We know that many eligible people will be very keen to have their spring booster, and it’s fantastic that the benefits of covid vaccination are recognised by so many.

“It is important those at highest risk of severe illness do not become complacent and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward once the booster programme starts.

"This year’s spring programme will bridge the gap to the planned booster programme in the autumn, enabling those who are most vulnerable to be well protected throughout the summer.

The NHS will be contacting people when they are eligible to come forward for their top-up dose. GP practices and community pharmacies are already extremely busy, so please don’t call them for a spring booster, as they won’t yet be able to help you until the programme opens.”

The spring booster will be offered to everyone aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults and people aged five and over who are immuno-suppressed.

Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose.

People who have not yet received a first and second dose of the covid-19 vaccinations will still be able to receive this, however, following JCVI advice, availability of these vaccines will conclude at the end of the spring campaign on June 30.

After that, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.

Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time so boosters are offered to help maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch covid-19.

When you are contacted by the NHS, you will be invited to book an appointment via the National Booking System, or by calling 119.