South west Londoners most vulnerable to Covid-19 are being urged to book in for their spring jab as the local NHS kick-starts its vaccination campaign.
People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine after the NHS national booking system opened for spring Covid-19 jabs on Monday, 15 April, with those eligible able to make appointments from the following week.
Today saw the start of visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients. For people who receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.
Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from six months instead of five years. Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, this spring’s eligible groups include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Anyone eligible can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free, with parents or carers able to book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS app to book an appointment.
The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS app messages or letters to those who are eligible, but they do not have to wait for the invite to book. There are thousands of appointments available every day across the country, including at pharmacies and GP practices. Some areas also offer convenient walk-in options, with a list of available walk-in sites online.
Director of Health Improvement for the NHS in south west London Catherine Heffernan, who is leading the local coronavirus vaccination campaign, said: “With Covid still circulating, it’s important people at highest risk who are eligible for the spring vaccine get their jab to help top up their immunity.
“Covid continues to cause hospitalisations and severe illness, particularly among older people and those with weakened immune systems, and the vaccine still provides the best protection.
“So please don’t put it off. If you’re eligible, book your appointment as soon as you’re invited by the NHS – you do it quickly and easily through the NHS app, by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites that you can visit without an appointment.”
Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.
UK Health Security Agency surveillance data on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with coronavirus for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses should get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.
The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.
A summary of the health conditions, treatments and medications that can cause a weakened immune system is available on the NHS website and a full definition of immunosuppression can be found in chapter 14a (table 3) of the Green Book.