NHS ENCOURAGES HIGH-RISK PATIENTS IN COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE TO COME FORWARD FOR SPRING COVID-19 VACCINATION
25 April 2024
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The NHS is encouraging eligible people in Coventry and Warwickshire to come forward for their spring Covid-19 vaccination.
For older people and people with certain underlying health conditions, Covid-19 can be particularly dangerous and poses an even greater risk to their health. In order to offer the most vulnerable protection, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring dose of Covid-19 vaccine.
Those eligible are being contacted by the NHS via texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters, with those at highest risk being contacted first, but they do not have to wait for the invite to book their vaccination.
Eligible patients can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free, with parents or carers able to book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.
There are also a number of drop-in clinics across Coventry and Warwickshire where eligible patients can get their vaccinations without the need for a booking. A full list of Covid-19 vaccination drop-in clinics can be found on the Happy Healthy Lives website.
Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from 6 months instead of 5 years. This spring’s eligible cohorts include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine gives 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.
UKHSA surveillance data on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed 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.
Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses can still book their appointment this spring to help protect against serious illness.
Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.
The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.
Dr Angela Brady, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said:
“We know that Covid poses a greater risk to older people and those with underlying health conditions. We also know immunity can fade over time. This makes it important to top up your protection. The Covid-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect against serious illness. If you are eligible for the booster this means you are at most risk.
“There are a variety of ways to access the vaccine, either via your GP, the National Booking System or at one of our drop-in clinics. Please choose whichever option works best for you. We want to make sure you and your loved ones, have every opportunity to get vaccinated this spring if you are at higher risk.”