COVID-19 spring vaccinations for Warrington’s most vulnerable now underway

HUNDREDS of COVID-19 spring vaccinations are being given to some of Warrington’s most vulnerable residents from this week as the first bookable appointments get underway in the borough.

The spring vaccination programme launched earlier this month, with roving vaccination teams initially taking the latest dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out to people living in care homes for older adults.

Now people aged 75 and over and those aged five or over with weakened immune systems can book appointments by using the NHS App or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free.

The NHS is urging those who have yet to book their appointment for the spring booster dose to come forward and get the protection as soon as they can.
Care home residents Joyce Rushton, 90, from Wirral who was one of the first in the region to receive the spring booster earlier this month, said: “I’m very pleased to have had the injection, because I think it’s so important to be protected against COVID-19. “I’ve had it twice myself, so I know how important it is.”
This latest phase of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme is the first time that people will be sent their initial invitations through the NHS App and use the app to book their appointment, as the NHS continues to expand its technological capabilities. Text messages and letters will also be sent to those without the app or not actively using it.

Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “The vaccination is being offered to protect those most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID.
“If you’re eligible for a vaccination this spring, you will receive a text message, email, NHS App message or letter from the NHS when it’s your turn to come forward.”
Those who are invited for a spring booster dose should ensure that their appointment is scheduled at least three months from their last dose.
The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on June 30.
The offer of first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations for children, who were aged 5 on or before August 31, will also end after that date.
Anyone eligible who has had just one Covid vaccination, or not had one at all, is encouraged to come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible before June 30.
The last date for a first dose in order to receive a full primary course of the vaccine is 5 May.
After June 30, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
You can book your spring booster on the National Booking Service or on the NHS App.