This week sees those eligible – people aged 75 and over and people with weakened immune systems, attend appointments to receive their Covid-19 spring vaccination.
With Covid-19 still about and causing severe illness for some, the new vaccine is aimed at boosting the protection of the most vulnerable people.
Vaccine centres across Greater Manchester, including selected GP surgeries and local pharmacies, will begin giving spring jabs on Monday April 17. Vaccines will be available until the end of June. Vaccinations for residents of care homes for older people have already started.
People who haven’t yet had first and second Covid-19 vaccinations are also being encouraged to come forward and get their jabs up to date during this time, particularly as they are still required for travel to some countries.
Dr Helen Wall, clinical director for population health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said:
“As immunity from previous vaccination or infection from Covid-19 fades, it’s important that people come and get their protection boosted.
“The virus continues to circulate widely, and older people and those with weakened immune systems are still the main groups developing more severe illness and having to be admitted to hospital. It’s important that they get booked in for a jab as soon as possible.”
She added: “While we are offering the spring vaccination over the next few weeks, there’s also an opportunity for people to come in and get a first or second Covid-19 vaccination, or both if they come for a first before May 5.”
The last spring vaccination appointments and first and second doses for people aged 5 and above will be offered until 30 June. After that, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
If you are eligible for a spring booster or a first or second vaccination, you can make a booking by using the NHS App (free to download on Android or Apple devices) or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If people can’t get online, they can call 119 for free.
Some areas also offer convenient walk-in vaccinations – to find out what is available, visit nhs.uk/vaccine-walk-in.
