THE first Spring Covid boosters will be administered this week as the NHS Covid vaccination programme enters a new phase.

Eligible groups for Spring boosters include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over.

In line with new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme will contact people when it is their turn to have their second booster (fourth jab in total).

Once invited by the NHS, people will be able to book their appointment through the National Booking System either online or by calling NHS 119.

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Around 600,000 people will be invited to book this week. In addition, local NHS teams will also offer vaccinations in care homes with hundreds more visits planned in the coming weeks.

In all, around five million people will be able to get a Spring booster dose.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our phenomenal vaccination programme has saved countless lives and built a wall of defence which has allowed us to learn to live with COVID.

“Following the massive success of the rollout so far, we are now offering over-75s and the most vulnerable a spring booster dose to top up their protection against this virus.

“Please come forward as soon as you are contacted by the NHS.”

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Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy SRO for the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, said: “Sadly, we are still seeing large numbers of people seriously unwell in hospital with COVID so it remains vital that those most at risk come forward when they are invited to do so.

“The response so far from the public to the largest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history has been incredible, with more than nine in 10 people aged 75 and over getting their initial booster. The NHS COVID vaccination programme is once again ready to get people protected, so when you are invited please do come forward for your Spring dose.”

Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: “We are absolutely determined to protect those most vulnerable to Covid.

“Please take up the offer of a Spring booster as soon as you are contacted by the NHS – it will protect you and ensure we can continue to enjoy our freedoms.”

A spoksperson from Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "The spring booster is available now across the North East and North Cumbria. It is delivered in Primary Care Networks and GP surgeries, Community Pharmacy, Vaccination Centres and roving and pop ups in community settings.

"There is no need to contact the NHS – when you are eligible for your ‘spring boost’ of protection, we will be in touch so you can book your appointment at one of hundreds of vaccination sites across the country."

 

To book your Covid jab if you are eligible click here.

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