Clinician urges most vulnerable to get spring covid-19 booster vaccination before deadline

A clinician has warned the public to make sure they book a spring covid-19 vaccine before the offer runs out at the end of this month.

Spring vaccinations are being offered to all adults aged 75 and over, people in older adult care homes and those who are aged five and over with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed).

More than 135,000 people are eligible in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and everyone has received an invite — by text, by letter or through the NHS App — with the last spring vaccination appointments being offered on 30 June.

Dr Judy Jones, Programme Medical Director, said: “Time is running out to get your spring vaccination. It is important that everyone who is being offered a vaccination gets protected ahead of the summer period.

“Protection from the vaccine decreases over time, and it is important that those people who are most vulnerable to serious illness if they catch covid, are protected.

“If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, then please come forward as soon as possible to book a covid vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind.

“It is not too late, and I would urge you to book an appointment at your local pharmacy, GP or via the National Booking Service, as soon as possible.”

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire vaccination sites can be found at pharmacies, GP practices, at designated health centres and hospital hubs giving the public a choice of convenient locations.

Eligible people can book an appointment via 119, online or through the NHS App.

People who are immunosuppressed can include those who had or have *:

• A blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
• An organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• HIV infection at all stages
• A genetic disorder affecting the immune system
• A treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy
• Certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on your dosage)
• A long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, and psoriasis

* The above list is a summary and does not cover everything. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, talk to your GP or consultant.