Final weeks to get spring booster, with more than half already protected in Cheshire and Merseyside
Thursday, 8 June 2023
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is encouraging people to come forward for their spring booster ahead of the seasonal campaign ending on Friday 30 June.
The booster is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation.
Since the latest phase of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme started in April, more than 174,000 spring doses have already been given in the region, part of the 3.6 million nationally.
Friday 30 June is also the last chance for those yet to have their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose to come forward. After this, the NHS is moving to a targeted seasonal offer for those at increased risk.
The spring campaign began on 3 April in care homes for older adults, and roving NHS teams have now visited 98% of care homes in Cheshire and Merseyside, delivering protection against becoming seriously ill with the virus to more than 13,000 residents.
Others eligible for a spring dose, including those 75 and over and people aged five and over with weakened immune systems, have been vaccinated since 17 April.
There are hundreds of appointments available across Cheshire and Merseyside over the remaining three weeks, at GP and pharmacy sites, making it easier than ever to get protected. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus, run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside a broad range of physical health checks and mental wellbeing support.
Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“If you’re eligible for a spring COVID-19 vaccination or have not yet taken up the offer of a first or second dose, please make the most of the weeks ahead by coming forward to boost your protection.
“You can get vaccinated at one of the many sites across the region, including on Living Well Bus. Booking an appointment has never been easier. As well as the National Booking Service, you can also book an appointment on the NHS App, or find your nearest and most convenient walk in site.”
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“Around 215,000 of those most at-risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 are eligible for the spring booster in the region and it’s great news that more than half of those people have already come forward for the extra protection.
“There are just a few weeks left to protect yourself from COVID before the offer ends on 30 June. If you have had only one COVID vaccine so far, or none at all, it is not too late. I would urge anyone who is eligible and has yet to get vaccinated to book an appointment before 30 June.”
Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least 91 days 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.
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.