Vulnerable urged to get Covid-19 booster vaccine

Those eligible for the spring booster Covid-19 vaccine are this year being urged to get their vaccine as soon as they would like rather than wait to be contacted by the NHS.

The spring vaccine is now available for anyone over the age of 75 and anyone over the age of 6 months with a weakened immune system caused by certain diseases or conditions.

Those eligible can make a vaccination appointment directly by visiting the NHS website or by calling 119.  Appointments are also available via walk-in Covid vaccination sites within community pharmacies.

Parents or carers can book a Covid vaccination for children under 16; those over 16 can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.

NHS England is also sending reminder texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to eligible people, however they can also go ahead and book appointments at any time.

Vaccine visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients has begun.  People who receive their care in their own homes should contact their GP in the first instance.

Across Leeds vaccinations will be delivered in over 50 participating pharmacies and GP led primary care networks.

Data produced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)  on the 2023 spring Covid-19 vaccination programme shows 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.

Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, said:

“This year’s spring Covid vaccine offer makes it even easier for people to access a jab. People are being encouraged to come forward as soon as they can and get their free vaccine to boost their immunity and help protect themselves against Covid.”

Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director at West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:

“COVID-19 is still very dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for older people and those with a weakened immune system. People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024), people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.

“The COVID-19 vaccine offers good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus, and protects against different variants. Anyone eligible who has not received a previous dose – or has not for a while – should get vaccinated during this spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.  It is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection.

“You can book an appointment easily and quickly on the NHS App, by calling 119 for free, or visiting the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across our region that you can visit without an appointment.”