The next stage of the Covid vaccination programme begins on Monday, April 17 before the programme comes to an end in June. The NHS says this latest vaccination, is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation.
Health officials say the latest vaccine programme will give added protection to those over the age of 75 and those with weakened immune systems. More than 240 clinics in the East Midlands will be open and offering vaccinations to those who are eligible.
The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on June 30. The NHS says Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged five 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.
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In the East Midlands there are around 580,000 people who are eligible for the spring vaccine. Everyone eligible will receive an invite – by text, by letter or through the NHS App – and is encouraged to book on the National Booking Service Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk) by calling 119 or by using the NHS App.
Roz Lindridge, the NHS England director responsible for vaccinations in the Midlands said: “As a society we are learning to live with coronavirus but for many it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation. These are the people we are inviting to come forward to top up the protection the vaccine offers them.
“This protection does fade after a number of months so it is important that we offer seasonal top ups to help older people and those who have weakened immune systems avoid the risk of serious illness.”
More than 43,000 people across the Midlands have already made bookings via the National Booking Service and many more people have booked through their own GP surgeries.
Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.
Vaccinations at care homes have been taking place since Monday, April 3, and so far around a fifth of Midlands care homes have been visited.
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.
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