The new NHS spring COVID-19 campaign is starting across care homes for older adults from Monday, 15 April 2024 and to wider eligible groups on Monday, 22 April 2024.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, the vaccine is being offered to:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
The main change from previous COVID-19 programmes is that those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from 6 months instead of 5 years. You can get more information on the NHS website.
People are encouraged to book a vaccination appointment through the NHS National Booking System. You can also drop in to the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, in Huddersfield. It will accept eligible walk-in appointments between 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on a Sunday. There is a a full list of West Yorkshire locations available on the NHS walk-in finder.
On Monday, 15 April the first visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients will start. People who receive their care in their own homes should contact their GP in the first instance. Vaccinations for the wider eligible groups will be offered from Monday, 22 April .
Spring COVID-19 vaccinations are available until 30 June 2024.
How can I make a spring COVID-19 vaccination appointment?
You can make vaccination appointments using the NHS National Booking website or by calling 119. Parents or carers can book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16. If you are aged 16 and over, you can also use the NHS App.
NHS England is also sending reminder texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to eligible people. You can book appointments at any time before they arrive.
Vaccinations will be delivered in over 180 participating pharmacies across West Yorkshire, GP led primary care networks and at advertised pop-up clinics.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance data on the 2023 spring Covid-19 vaccination programme shows that those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director at West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership:
“Covid-19 is still very dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for older people and those with a weakened immune system.
People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024), people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.
The COVID-19 vaccine offers good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus, and protects against different variants. Anyone eligible who has not received a previous dose – or has not for a while – should get vaccinated during this spring offer, to help protect against serious illness. It is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection.”
“You can book an appointment easily and quickly on the NHS App, by calling 119 for free, or visiting the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across our region that you can visit without an appointment.”
The NHS also encourages those eligible to get the shingles vaccine. It is recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. If you are eligible, contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.