Hucknall: Spring Covid-19 booster programme opens for older adults and clinically vulnerable

Adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 12 and over with a severely weakened immune system, can book a spring booster vaccine in Nottinghamshire from today (21 March).

The spring booster programme is now open and offers the most vulnerable members of the community a chance to top up their immunity because Covid-19 is more serious for older people and those with a weakened immune system.

The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has 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. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up over the spring and early summer.

The public will be able to book an appointment at more than 50 sites across the city and county including pharmacies, Vaccination Centres and GP practices.

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: "The Covid-19 vaccination programme has successfully kept thousands of people in our region from becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and this is an opportunity to further protect the most vulnerable.

"If you are over 75 or severely immunosuppressed, your protection from previous doses of the vaccine may now be lower and will continue to gradually decline. This booster should help to reduce your risk of catching Covid-19 or being admitted to hospital if you do.

"You can book a booster from 6 months after your previous dose and I would strongly urge everyone eligible to top up their immunity, especially as we learn to live with the virus going forward.

"At the same time, the NHS continues 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."

Anyone who has had a positive Covid-19 test, needs to wait four weeks before getting their spring booster. This starts from the date the symptoms first occurred, or the date of the positive test if the person did not have any symptoms. It is important people get their spring booster as soon as possible after this period to ensure they have the maximum possible protection against Covid-19 in the future.

Those eligible can book an appointment by calling 119 or through the NHS website which can be accessed by clicking here.