Bookings open for Spring Covid-19 vaccinations for the most vulnerable
The most vulnerable people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) can now book an appointment for their spring Covid-19 vaccination, with appointments available from Monday 17 April.
A spring vaccination is being offered to people aged 75 and over, those aged 5 and over with a weakened immune system and older adults living in care homes.
Eligible people can make an appointment at a GP clinic when invited or book an appointment at a Community Vaccination Clinic using the online National Booking Service, or by calling 119. They can also attend a walk-in Community Vaccination Clinic. Details of walk-in clinics and all the vaccination options in BNSSG can be found at www.grabajab.net.
People living in care homes will be prioritised with GP vaccination teams visiting homes in our area from this week, to offer protection.
For the first time, eligible people will be sent their initial invitations through the NHS App if they have installed it on their smartphone. They can also use the NHS App to book an appointment, as the NHS continues to expand its technological capabilities. Text messages and letters will be sent to people who don’t have the NHS App or are not actively using it.
The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June. First and Second (primary dose) Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after 30 June, following recent advice from the JCVI. This means anyone who is unvaccinated would need to have their first dose by 5 May 2023 to fit in their two primary doses. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
Dr Geeta Iyer, Clinical Lead for the BNSSG Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “We are learning to live with Covid but cannot afford to be complacent – we are only able to live with this virus thanks to the excellent vaccination rates locally and across England. Covid-19 is still in wide circulation and over 8,000 people are in hospital with a Covid infection.
“Older people and those with a weakened immune system remain at greatest risk of severe illness and being hospitalised from Covid-19 so if you are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer. It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you the protection you need for the months ahead.
“We have also announced the end of widely available first and second Covid-19 vaccinations. If you have been putting off getting your first or second dose, now is the time to come forward. You can book an appointment for any of your Covid-19 vaccinations using the online National Booking Service or by calling 119. Alternatively, you can find a list of walk-in vaccination clinics at www.grabajab.net.”
This latest vaccination is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation. Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.
Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.