More than 320,000 people have already booked an appointment and the first of these will begin receiving their vaccinations from today. Around five million people in total are eligible in line with JCVI advice, which includes over 75s, those aged five and over with a weakened immune system, and older adult care home residents.
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‘The covid vaccine still has a crucial role to play in protecting those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus, including those with a weakened immune system as well as all aged 75 and above. It is great to see that around 320,000 people have booked in to get a jab with around hundreds of thousands of further slots available across the country this week alone,’ said NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell.
‘The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme has delivered almost 145 million vaccine doses since December 2020 and staff will not stop in their efforts to give people extra protection. I would urge anyone eligible for this extra protection to get their spring covid vaccination at the earliest opportunity and give yourself peace of mind this summer.’
NHS staff have already begun administering spring booster doses to care home residents over the last two weeks. The NHS has issued 1.25 million invites so far and a further one million people will be asked to book a vaccine appointment this week if they are yet to do so. It is the first time that millions have been sent their initial invitations through the NHS App, where they can also book an appointment, as the NHS continues to expand its technological capabilities.
‘As we enter spring, it’s important to remember immunity from Covid vaccines wanes over time. From today, a further one million people will be invited to top up their protection against the virus,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay.
‘For the first time, invites to book a Covid jab are being sent via the NHS App – a fantastic example of how we’re using technology to make it easier for people to access health services. With over 3,000 vaccination sites across England, it couldn’t be easier to get your jab when invited so please do not hesitate.’