As the pandemic continues to affect everyday life, the UK government has announced plans to rollout Covid booster appointments for millions of people across England. The NHS is urging eligible individuals to book their appointments as soon as possible, in order to receive an extra dose of protection against the virus. With the recent rise in Covid cases and hospitalisations, the booster programme is seen as a vital measure in reducing the spread of the virus and easing the pressure on the health service. This article will explore the options for Covid booster appointments available to those in England and the impact it may have on the fight against Covid-19.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, millions of people across England are now eligible for the spring Covid-19 booster. With the first vaccinations taking place from Monday across 3,000 sites, approximately 5 million individuals are eligible for a booster until the end of June. Those eligible include individuals who are 75 and older, anyone aged five or older who has a weakened immune system, and those under the care home programme of vaccinations that began two weeks ago.
More than 725,000 Covid-19 vaccination boosters remain available for this week, with more than 320,000 appointments already booked through the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme. The NHS has issued 1.25 million invitations through the NHS app, where appointments can be made directly, while a further 1 million people will be asked to book a vaccine appointment this week if they have not done so already. Text messages, emails, and letters will also be sent to those without the app or who are not actively using it.
It is important to note that Covid-19 hospital admissions remain highest among over-75s, with the rate currently standing at 34.9 admissions for every 100,000 people in the 75-84 age group, and 74.5 in every 100,000 aged 85 and above. Rates have fallen in recent weeks but are still well above those for other age groups. Therefore, those eligible should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months after the previous dose.
The NHS England director for vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell, said, “The Covid vaccine still has a crucial role to play in protecting those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus, including those with a weakened immune system as well as all aged 75 and above. It is great to see that around 320,000 people have booked in to get a jab, with around hundreds of thousands of further slots available across the country this week alone.”
The last spring vaccination appointments will be on 30 June, with more targeted seasonal campaigns likely in the future. Covid-19 vaccinations for anyone with a weakened immune system who was five or over on 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Earlier this year, the JCVI said the spring booster campaign could include vaccinations with the Pfizer, Moderna, and Sanofi-GSK jabs. The Novavax jab will be available for use only when alternatives are not considered clinically suitable. Children under 12 will be offered a children’s formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The vaccine people receive will depend on local supply.
Overall, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact individuals across the globe. However, the availability of boosters through the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will help protect those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus, including those with a weakened immune system as well as all individuals aged 75 and above. It is important to take advantage of available appointments and to stay updated on future targeted seasonal campaigns.
In conclusion, the announcement of the NHS Covid booster appointments being available to millions of people in England is a positive development in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The boosters are expected to provide extra protection against the virus and its variants, which is important as we head into the winter months. It is crucial that those who are eligible for the booster appointment take advantage of it in order to protect themselves, their loved ones and the wider community. We must continue to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Let us all do our part in keeping ourselves and our communities safe during these unprecedented times.
