Published on: 23 March 2022
People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed will be invited to book from this week as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history enters a new phase.
The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so people should wait until they hear from the NHS. Priority will be given to those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have the longest gap since their most recent dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up over the Spring and early Summer.
Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said:
“Covid-19 is still circulating within our communities amongst all ages. As we learn to live with COVID sadly, we continue to see significant numbers of people unwell in hospital with COVID, it remains vital that those most at risk come forward when they are invited to do so.
“Ensuring adults over 75, residents in care homes and individuals 12 and over who have a weakened immune system have their spring booster vaccine is an important priority for the NHS. Spring boosters will help top up the immunity of the elderly and the most vulnerable to ensure they are protected and will help us continue to live with this virus”
The NHS continues to encourage those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose, to do so at a time and place that is convenient for them. With COVID-19 still active, the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, hospitalisation and passing the virus on to others.
Those who have recently recovered from COVID should still come forward for their vaccination, as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection. Anyone over 18 who has had COVID will need to wait four weeks before having any dose of the vaccine, or 12 weeks for those aged 12 to 17.
