The NHS National Booking System for spring covid-19 vaccinations opened this week, with eligible people across London able to book appointments now. The first appointments start on Monday, April 22.
People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine. This includes more than 800,000 Londoners who are aged 75 or over (on June 30 this year), or have a weakened immune system or live in an older adult care home.
Spring vaccinations will be available until June 30.
“It would be easy to forget that, despite the winter being behind us, many London residents remain vulnerable to covid-19,” said Dr Oge Ilozue, a GP and a clinical advisor on vaccinations to NHS London.
“For older people and those with a weakened immune system, covid-19 can still be very dangerous. And over time and due to exposure, immunity to covid-19 can fade, so getting a regular top-up vaccine is essential to ensure continued safety.
“Anyone eligible can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free, with parents or carers able to book a covid-19 vaccination for children under-16. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.”
The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible, but they do not have to wait for the invite to book.
Last Monday saw the start of visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.
Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from six months, instead of five years.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, this spring’s eligible cohorts include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Getting the vaccine is convenient, with more than 600 sites across London offering the vaccination, including community pharmacies, GPs, hospitals and vaccination centres.
This includes walk-in options, with a list of available walk-in sites online at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in.
UK Health Security Agency data on last year’s spring covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with covid for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses should get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.
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Double check if relying on walk ins shown on the NHS app. The one I was shown as open doesn’t start till Monday and you have to book! So much for modern technology!]