21 Mar 2022
The NHS is now contacting people who are eligible to make a Spring Covid booster appointment - prioritising those whose clinical need is greatest, starting with those who have had the biggest gap since their last dose.
From Monday 21st March, the NHS is starting to contact those who are eligible to make an appointment for a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In February, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised a spring dose of the vaccine for:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system.
If you are eligible, the NHS will contact you by letter or text. Please do not contact your GP practice unless you are asked to book your jab with them directly.
Priority is given to people whose clinical need is greatest, as it has been throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time.
The JCVI's advice is that most eligible people should wait until around six months since their last booster dose for maximum effectiveness. People who are immunosuppressed will be invited for their spring dose from three months.
If you have received your invitation for a spring booster dose, you can:
- Book an appointment at the Totally Wicked Stadium or another centre at www.nhs.uk/covid-booster or by calling 119 free of charge
- If you are immunosuppressed, please bring evidence of your medical condition or medication (either a text or letter from the NHS).
We continue to encourage those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose, to do so at a time and place that is convenient for them. COVID-19 is still active, and the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing the virus on to others.
Nearly one in five eligible adults have yet to receive their initial booster dose and we strongly urge them to come forward.
There are plenty of walk-in options in every part of the country for people to get their initial booster – as well as the Spring booster jab.
You can find your nearest centre (including Saints) or book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/covid-booster or by calling 119 free of charge (translators are available on request) and more information can be found at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
Those who have recently recovered from COVID should still come forward for their vaccination, as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection. Anyone over 18 who has had COVID will need to wait four weeks before having any dose of the vaccine, or 12 weeks for those aged 12 to 17.
To download a leaflet about the Spring booster jab click here.