WITH more than half of eligible people in the North West already protected by the spring booster, the NHS in the region is encouraging people to come forward ahead of the seasonal campaign ending on Friday June 30.
Since the latest phase of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme started in April, more than 400,000 spring doses have already been given in the region, part of the 3.6 million nationally.
From 5 – 30 June, more than 100,000 appointments will be available for those eligible in the North West to come forward for their latest dose, at more than 140 sites across the region.
Friday June 30 is also the last chance for those yet to have their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose to come forward. After this, the NHS is moving to a targeted seasonal offer for those at increased risk.
The spring campaign kicked off on 3 April in adult care homes, and roving NHS teams have now visited more than nine in 10 care homes in the North West, delivering protection against becoming seriously ill with the virus to more than 32,000 residents.
Others eligible for a spring dose, including those 75 and over and people aged five and over with weakened immune systems, have been vaccinated since 17 April.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme at NHS England – North West, said: “It’s great news that more than half of all those eligible for the spring COVID-19 booster have already come forward for the extra protection and I would urge anyone who is eligible and has yet to get the top up to book one of the thousands of appointments we have available over the next few weeks.
“In the North West to date, the NHS, its partners and dedicated volunteers have delivered more than 18 million doses of the vaccine, as part of the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history.
“There are lots of sites that will be giving the spring dose ahead of 30 June, and booking an appointment has never been easier. As well as the National Booking Service, you can also book an appointment on the NHS App, or find your nearest and most convenient walk in site.”
This latest vaccination is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation.
Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.
Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.
Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
