People at increased risk from COVID-19 in Cheshire and Merseyside are being encouraged to book in for their spring vaccine as the NHS National Booking System opens.
Eligible people include those aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024), people with a weakened immune system and those who live in an older adult care home, who are all more likely to have severe illness if they catch the virus.
They are being urged not to wait to be invited for their top-up protection, but instead book as soon as the booking service goes live on Monday, 15 April.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West, said:
“COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus.
“Even if people have had previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, viruses change and protection fades over time so it’s really important that people come forward to get this latest dose of vaccine.”
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 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 COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“There are more than 180 sites offering COVID-19 vaccines across Cheshire and Merseyside, including GP practices, hospital hubs, community pharmacies and mobile clinics such as Cheshire & Merseyside’s Living Well Bus.
“We’re encouraging those who are eligible to take a moment to book their appointment online or to visit a local walk in clinic and top up their protection by getting vaccinated this spring.”
People 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.
Walk-in availability for community pharmacies is updated daily on the NHS walk-in finder, opening times for all other clinics, including the Living Well Bus, can be found on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website.
More than 100,000 bookable appointments are available during the first two weeks of the spring programme.
The first appointments will be available to attend from Monday, 22 April and the last appointments will be on 30 June, 2024.
Monday, 15 April will also see the start of visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.
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.
Content provided by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
Published on Tue, 16 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT
Modified on Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:39:27 GMT