New Spring Covid booster jabs available today as cases creep up – are you eligible?
ELIGIBLE Brits will be able to get their spring Covid booster jab as cases start to increase.
The NHS is calling on over-75s, the clinically vulnerable and care home residents in England to get a top-up dose from today, up till June 30.
UK Health Security Agency figures show Covid positivity increased from 3.4 per cent to 4.1 cent in the week up to April 7.
Health bosses are urging eligible Brits to come forward to make sure they don’t get ill over the coming months.
Steve Russell, of NHS England, said: “This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus.
“Covid-19 can still be very dangerous, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system, and over time immunity — either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination — can fade.
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“So it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection.”
He added: “If you are aged 75 or over or if you or your child have a weakened immune system, then it is vital that you get your vaccine as soon as possible.
“You can book quickly and easily through the NHS App, by calling 119, or visiting the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across the country that you can visit without 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.
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Today will also see 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 the age threshold for immunosuppressed Brits able get jabbed had been lowered to babies as young as six months.
Previously, children with suppressed immune systems had to be five years old to have a booster vaccine.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “With Covid-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible for the spring vaccine get their jab to help top up their immunity.
“We are still seeing Covid-19 causing hospitalisations and severe illness particularly among older people and those with weakened immune systems and the vaccine provides the best protection.
“So don’t put it off. If you’re eligible, book your appointment as soon as you’re invited by the NHS.”
Health minister Maria Caulfield said: “We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable from Covid and this spring programme will give those most at risk of serious illness the protection they need.
“Getting vaccinated is quicker and more convenient than ever, with thousands of sites open across the country including local pharmacies and GP practices.
“I urge anyone eligible to book their appointment as soon as possible.”
INCREASING CASES
The UKHSA figures show Covid hospitalisations increased slightly to 1.77 per 100,000 in the week leading up to April 7, compared with 1.63 per 100,00 in the previous week.
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased to 19.91 per 100,000. Most other age groups also saw a small increase.
Dr Ramsay said: “This week Covid-19 activity remains at low levels, though there has been a slight increase in some indicators including hospitalisations in the over 85s.
“Spring Covid-19 vaccinations for older adults in care homes will begin next week, helping to top up their protection against the virus.
“Staying at home when you have symptoms of flu or Covid-19 helps protect others, especially those who are vulnerable.
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“If you need to go out when you are unwell, consider wearing a mask around other people.
“Simple measures like catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, regular handwashing, and improving ventilation by opening a window when meeting others indoors can all help to reduce the spread of viruses.”
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SPRING BOOSTER?
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 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
Those at the highest risk will be called forward first, though you don't need to wait for an invitation to book a booster.
You will be invited to have your booster around six months after your last dose, but you can have it as soon as three months afterwards.
If you are turning 75 between April and June, you don't have to wait until your birthday, you can attend when you are called for vaccination.
You will be given a booster dose of a vaccine made by Pfizer or Moderna, both of which have been approved in the UK.
These vaccines have been updated since the original vaccines and target a different Covid-19 variant.
The booster will boost your protection against the virus and give you higher levels of antibodies against recent strains.
Source: UKHSA