Just under 150,000 eligible patients booked their Spring boosters of coronavirus vaccine in the first 24 hours of availability, NHS England has said.
People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are eligible to book the booster. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised a spring jab should be offered to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 as a precautionary measure.
‘Spring boosters will help top up the immunity of the elderly and the most vulnerable to ensure they are protected and will help us continue to live with this virus,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.
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‘Thanks to the NHS for rising to the challenge yet again to get people boosted. Please come forward as soon as you are contacted.’
Around 5 million people will be able to get a Spring booster during the campaign and this week, the NHS is expected to contact over 600,000 people to invite them to book their jab.
‘Sadly, we are still seeing large numbers of people seriously unwell in hospital with COVID so it remains vital that those most at risk come forward when they are invited to do so,’ said Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy SRO for the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme.
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‘The response so far from the public to the largest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history has been incredible, with more than nine in 10 people aged 75 and over getting their initial booster. The NHS COVID vaccination programme is once again ready to get people protected, so when you are invited please do come forward for your spring dose.’