Clinician urges most vulnerable across Nottinghamshire to top up immunity to Covid-19 before end of June deadline

A clinician has warned the public to make sure they book a spring Covid-19 vaccine before the offer runs out at the end of this month.

Spring vaccinations are being offered to all adults aged 75 and over, people in older adult care homes and those who are aged five and over with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed).

More than 135,000 people are eligible in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and everyone has received an invite – by text, by letter or through the NHS App – with the last spring vaccination appointments being offered on Friday 30 June.

Dr Judy Jones, Programme Medical Director, said: "Time is running out to get your spring vaccination. It is important that everyone who is being offered a vaccination gets protected ahead of the summer period. Protection from the vaccine decreases over time, and it is important that those people who are most vulnerable to serious illness if they catch covid, are protected.

"If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, then please come forward as soon as possible to book a covid vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind. It is not too late, and I would urge you to book an appointment at your local pharmacy, GP or via the National Booking Service, as soon as possible."

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire there are plenty of vaccination sites at pharmacies, GP sites, at designated health centres and hospital hubs giving the public plenty of choice to find a location convenient to them. In Hucknall, The Engine Rooms at Rolls Royce on Watnall Road is again being used as a vaccination centre.

Everyone eligible can get vaccinated by booking an appointment via 119, online or through the NHS App at one of thousands of local sites, including community pharmacies and GP practices.

People who are immunosuppressed can include those who had or have: a form of blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma; an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant; HIV infection at all stages; a genetic disorder affecting the immune system; a treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy; a long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, and psoriasis.

However, this list is not exhaustive, and anyone unsure of whether or not they are eligible to receive a spring vaccination should talk to their GP or consultant.

For more information about Covid-19 vaccines and services, please click here.