For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening. COVID-19 vaccines offered by the NHS protect against the virus and help reduce the risk of serious illness. The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions.
Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time and the virus can change so if you are at higher risk of severe illness you should top up your protection.
This spring the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including:
people aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024)
residents of care homes for older adults
people with a weakened immune system (as defined in the Green Book, chapter 14a; tables 3 and 4)
Vaccinations start on 15th April for residents in care homes for older adults and eligible housebound people.
All other eligible people can book their appointment from 15 April, with vaccinations starting from 22nd April.
Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.
The NHS will invite those eligible but you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine.
Booking a spring COVID-19 vaccine is simple and easy if you are eligible:
Download the NHS App and make an appointment. More information can be found here about the NHS app.
Visit www.nhs.uk/book-vaccine
Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)
There are also some walk-in options – to find out what is available visit:
Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is very convenient, with thousands of appointments across the country every day (usually in pharmacies and GP practices).
If you or your child are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this spring, make sure you come forward for this extra protection.
For all the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination.