Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
The next stage of the Covid vaccination programme kicks off today (17 April) to give added protection to those over the age of 75 and those with weakened immune systems.
More than 40 vaccination sites in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are open and offering vaccinations to those who are eligible. Appointments can be booked via 119, the NHS App or the NHS website.
In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire there are around 130,000 people who are eligible for the spring vaccine. Everyone eligible will receive an invite – by text, by letter or through the NHS App – and everyone is encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Stephen Upton, Deputy Director of Operations, Nottinghamshire Vaccination Programme, said: “We are learning to live with Covid but for many it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation. These are the people we are inviting to come forward to top up the protection the vaccine offers them.
“This protection does fade after a number of months so it is important that we offer seasonal top ups to help older people and those who have weakened immune systems avoid the risk of serious illness.
“Examples of people who have a weakened immune system include people with certain cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma; people undergoing certain treatments like steroid medication, chemotherapy or radiotherapy; people with certain inherited disorders and people who have undergone an organ or bone marrow transplant. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to your doctor or clinician.”
More than 43,000 people across the Midlands have already made bookings via the National Booking Service and many more people have booked through their own GP surgeries.
This latest vaccination, is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation. You do not need to wait for an invitation, if you are eligible, you can book an appointment straight away. The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June.
Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
