Covid-19 spring vaccination starts from today as 7.5million eligible vulnerable people in England are urged to get protected, including anyone over 75 and those in care homes
The NHS national booking system has opened for 7.5 million eligible people to book in their spring Covid-19 vaccination. From today people over the age of 75, residents in elderly care homes and those with weakened immune systems will be able to book their jab.
Health officials insist the virus continues to circulate and can be “highly dangerous” to these groups. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, said: “The latest weekly NHS statistics show there are still more than 1,000 people in hospital with Covid each day, showing that this continues to be a serious illness, particularly for older people and those with weakened immune systems. “Previous immunity – either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination – can wane over time so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection. New evidence shows those who have received a Covid jab are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus in the following two months.”
The online booking system opened today for people to be allocated a date in their diary for appointments. Eligible people will be able to get their jabs between April 1 and mid-June.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Last year’s spring Covid programme reduced the risk of getting severely ill and being hospitalised by over 40% in those at greatest risk – for up to nine weeks after vaccination. I would strongly advise all eligible to get vaccinated to top up your immunity and greatly reduce your chances of the virus ruining your spring and summer months.”
Eligibility for a spring vaccination was decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and includes the following groups:
- adults aged 75 years and over, including those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025.
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a; Tables 3 and 4. Click HERE to check.
- A summary of the health conditions, treatments and medications that can cause a weakened immune system is available on the NHS.UK website, and a full definition of immunosuppression can be found in Chapter 14a (table 3) of the Green Book. Click HERE to read it.
NHS England said it would contact everyone who is eligible for the jab via text, email, NHS app messages or letters. But people who are eligible for the vaccine do not need to wait for an invite to book and from today can visit the NHS website, use the NHS app or call 119 now to book their appointment.
As well as booked appointments, there are thousands of walk-in appointments available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder.
Local NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get jabbed close to home, as well as organising visits to older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP. Click HERE to arrange your vaccine appointment or click HERE to find a walk-in vaccination site.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said: “It is crucial we continue to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19, ensuring they have protection against serious illness. Getting vaccinated is now quicker and more convenient than ever, with thousands of sites open across the country, including local pharmacies and GP practices. I urge everyone who is also eligible to join me and get their spring jab as soon as possible.”
