NHS chief issues final call to come forward for COVID-19 spring vaccine

NHS England North West’s vaccination lead has made a final call for eligible people to come forward for a spring COVID-19 booster, before the offer ends on Friday (June 30).

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, who is the Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in the North West, is urging people who have yet to have the latest top-up dose to book one of the more than 30,000 appointments available in the region during the final week.

More than half a million spring doses have been given in the region, since the latest phase of the campaign started on April 3.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those eligible for a spring booster include people aged 75 and over, people aged five and over with weakened immune systems and older adult care home residents.

The offer of the first and second COVID-19 vaccinations will also end on June 30, so anyone who still wants protection against the virus is encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible, before time runs out.

To date, more than 18 million vaccines have been delivered in the North West, as part of the largest and fastest vaccination drive in NHS history.

Dr Charles-Ozuzu said: “If you’re eligible for a spring booster, and have yet to have the top up, don’t miss out on getting the best protection against becoming very unwell with COVID-19, and book an appointment this week.

“Friday, June 30 is also the very last day the NHS will be offering first and second doses, as we will be moving to a targeted, seasonal campaign.

“It’s really easy to book one of the tens of thousands of appointments available this week at more than 100 sites in the North West – on the National Booking Service, on the NHS App or by calling 119.”

Bookings will close on the National Booking Service after June 29.

From July, the COVID-19 vaccination offer will be more targeted to people at increased risk from COVID-19 and most will have to wait until a future campaign. 

If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, an exception may be made if your clinician advises you to get vaccinated sooner.

Speak to your specialist for more information.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online.

Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

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