The NHS national booking system for spring Covid-19 vaccination bookings via general practices is now open.
Those eligible to book appointments are able to do so for next week. They include adults aged 75 or over as of 30 June 2024, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals who are immunosuppressed.
The eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years except those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from six months instead of five years.
NHS England (NHSE) has advised there are ‘thousands of appointments available every day’ across the country via pharmacies and general practices, with walk-in sites listed online.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance data on last year’s spring 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.
Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA director of immunisations, said: ‘We are still seeing Covid-19 causing hospitalisations and severe illness particularly among older people and those with weakened immune systems and the vaccine provides the best protection.’
NHSE 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.
A version of this article first appeared on our sister title The Pharmacist
