Spring booster jab roll out to start

Eligible people in the Black Country are being invited to come forward for a spring COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme has now started, with care home residents first in line to receive a spring booster dose.

The offer will then be opened up to the remaining eligible groups, including:

• People aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2023)
• Those aged five or over (by 1 April 2023) who have a weakened immune system.

Those eligible for a spring booster will be contacted by the NHS by letter, text message or via the NHS App. Appointments can be booked via the National Booking System or NHS App, with first appointments available from Monday 17 April.

The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout the vaccination programme, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose. People who are eligible for a vaccine should make sure appointments take place at least three months after their last dose.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Although life has gone back to normal for most people, COVID-19 is still with us and continues to be more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions.

“Booster doses are safe, effective, and help to top up your protection against serious illness from the virus.

“So, I would urge anyone who is eligible for a spring booster to book their appointment as soon as they can.”

Spring booster appointments will be available until 30 June. COVID-19 vaccinations, including first and second doses, for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after on this date, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, only people at higher risk will be invited for future vaccinations.

Sally Roberts, added: “The COVID-19 vaccine has saved countless lives, helped thousands of people to stay out of hospital, and made it safer for us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions.

“We encourage anyone eligible who has had just one COVID-19 vaccination, or not had one at all, to come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible before the offer ends in June.”

First and second COVID-19 vaccines can still be booked via the National Booking System or by calling 119.

For more information on spring boosters, please visit the NHS website here.