THIS week sees the launch of a new spring Covid-19 vaccine campaign, with the latest jab offered to people most at risk from the virus.
Around 250,000 people in Greater Manchester will be eligible for the vaccination, including those aged 75 and over, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.
People living in care homes are being prioritised and roving NHS vaccination teams began to visit homes yesterday (Monday). They are expected to have completed most visits over the next two weeks.
Others eligible for the spring vaccination will be able to book in on the National Booking Service or NHS app from this Wednesday April 5, for appointments available from Monday April 17.
Text messages and letters reminding eligible people to book will be sent, including via the NHS app to active users.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “Covid-19 continues to circulate widely, and older people are still the main group developing more severe illness and being hospitalised.
“Because immunity from previous vaccination and infection wanes in time, it is important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection in the coming weeks.
“We are prioritising vaccination in care homes for older people first, then moving quickly on to offer a spring vaccination to anyone aged 75 or over or who have a weakened immune system.”
She added: “People can book their booster jab from Wednesday, and get it from Monday April 17. It’s quick and easy and will top up your immunity against what is still a serious virus.”
Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.
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.
The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the offer of first and second Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 or above will be available until June 30, 2023. After that the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
There are vaccination sites across Greater Manchester, with the majority of appointments being delivered in communities by pharmacies and GPs.
If you are eligible, you can make a booking by using the NHS App or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free.
Some areas also offer convenient walk-in vaccinations – to find out what is available, visit nhs.uk/vaccine-walk-in.