NHS covid jabs call

The NHS national booking service has opened for eligible people to book their Spring Covid vaccinations.

NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get their jabs close to home. This includes 482 community pharmacies across the South West, who will be providing the vaccination to people in their local communities.

Vaccines are the best way for people to protect themselves against Covid, reducing the risk of catching and spreading the virus, as well as the risk of serious illness or needing to go to hospital for people who do catch it.

Those eligible for this year’s spring vaccinations include adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and people with a weakened immune system who are at a greater risk from severe illness.

The NHS is contacting everyone who is eligible for the jab via text, email, NHS App message or letters, but people do not need to wait for an invite to book. Anyone eligible can book an appointment now by visiting the NHS website, using the NHS App or calling 119 for free.

People may also visit a walk in site, which can be found at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in.

Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health, Screening and Immunisation lead, NHS England South West, said: ‘’I urge anyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination to take up the offer and book their appointment. COVID-19 continues to cause serious illness and hospitalisation, particularly for older people or those with a weakened immune system.

'’We want to make it as easy as possible for you to protect yourself this spring. A range of NHS teams including community pharmacies and GP practices are set up to deliver the vaccine, so you can get your jab close to home. 

“Help us help you by topping up your immunity and booking your appointment as soon as possible. As well as booked appointments, there are thousands of walk-in appointments available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder.’’

Professor Dominic Mellon, Regional Deputy Director for Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “Last year’s spring Covid programme reduced the risk of getting severely ill and being hospitalised by over 40% in those at greatest risk - for up to 9 weeks after vaccination.

“I would strongly advise all eligible to get vaccinated to top up your immunity and greatly reduce your chances of the virus ruining your spring and summer months.”

Eligibility for a spring vaccination, as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), include the following cohorts:

 

- People aged 75 years and over, including those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025. 

- Residents in a care home for older adults

- People aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a; Tables 3 and 4

A summary of the health conditions, treatments and medications that can cause a weakened immune system is available on the NHS.UK website, and a full definition of immunosuppression can be found in Chapter 14a (table 3) of the Green Book.

The latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/COVID-19-vaccine/