South west Londoners who have yet to get a Covid-19 booster jab are being urged to book an appointment before the offer ends.
John Byrne, south west London’s Medical Director, is reminding people the NHS is giving them the opportunity to get the booster vaccination this week – it offers the best protection from serious illness and potentially being admitted to hospital.
Sunday 12 February is the last day of the national autumn booster campaign and will also be the final day that 16 to 49-year-olds who are not considered at risk will be able to get a booster. This is in line with the updated Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice.
The JCVI recommends moving to a more targeted offer to those considered to be at risk of serious illness and will set out further advice on future campaigns in due course.
It has already advised that there should be another autumn vaccination campaign later this year, as well as a potential spring campaign for the most vulnerable.
More than 344,100 people have already received a booster jab this winter and over 5.3 million Covid-19 vaccinations have been delivered in south west London in total since the programme was launched in December 2020.
Dr Byrne said: “If you haven’t already done so and you’re eligible for a booster jab, please get your latest dose arranged now as you only have until the end of this week.
“Remember that even if you have had Covid-19, the vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness for you, your loved ones and your community and also potentially prevents you going into hospital.
“So please make use of the offer to give peace of mind for the rest of winter and the months beyond – there are plenty of places across south west London ready and waiting to deliver the jab.”
National NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said: “NHS staff have worked really hard to deliver a combined 38 million flu and Covid doses this winter amid record pressures on emergency services, providing crucial protection and keeping thousands out of hospital, and they will be ready to stand up future campaigns with the same dedication and determination once new guidance is set out.”
A list of clinics for Merton, Wandsworth, Croydon, Sutton, Richmond and Kingston can be found on the local NHS’ website.
Find a local Covid-19 clinic
The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will continue to run a smaller operation after 12 February, allowing those yet to come forward for first, second or third doses if severely immunosuppressed, to book appointments.
The JCVI has also advised the primary course offer for healthy 16 to 49-year-olds should be withdrawn in 2023 in favour of a more targeted approach.
The health service is prepared to stand up future campaigns once JCVI advice is given and confirmed by the Government on who will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccines in future phases of the programme.