With only a few weeks left of this year’s spring COVID vaccine programme, the NHS is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up to come forward and get protected before 30 June 2024.
Anyone currently aged 75 and over, or who will be aged 75 by the 30 June 2024, is able to get the COVID-19 vaccine, along with older adult care home residents and people with a weakened immune system aged six months and over.
The reminder comes alongside the roll-out of joint appointment booking, which can be done online or via 119. For the first time, joint bookings can be made for those who use the online booking system or NHS 119 to get their jab. If anyone wants to get their vaccine at the same time as a loved one and they are both eligible and over 18, only one appointment will need to be made.
From now until the 30 June, there are hundreds of appointments available every day across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, including at pharmacies and GP practices.
Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “COVID can still be dangerous for those aged over 75 and those with compromised immune systems, and even if you’ve been vaccinated before, protection does fade over time, so, it’s important to come forward if eligible.
“You can book quickly and easily through the NHS App, by calling 119, or by visiting the NHS website. We have plenty of sites across the city and county offering vaccines and it is easier than ever to book an appointment.”
COVID-19 can still cause severe illness and hospitalisations in some cases, particularly among those most at risk. The vaccine gives the best protection against the virus and its different variants and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.
Some of the conditions which make a person eligible for a spring COVID vaccine include:
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy
- Organ transplant, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients
- HIV infection
- Genetic disorders affecting the immune system
- Those who require long term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions including, but not limited to, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis
- Individuals who are receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy.
Visit the NHS website to find a full list of eligible conditions.