Humber health chiefs urge those eligible to get their spring Covid-19 booster vaccine

Health leaders in the Humber are urging those who are eligible to get their Covid-19 booster vaccine this Spring. The vaccine provides vital protection against different strains of the Covid virus and helps reduce the risk of catching and spreading it, as well as the risk of serious illness or needing to go to hospital if you do catch it. The NHS has sent millions of invites out via text, email, NHS App messages or letters to remind those who are eligible to come forward.

Around 7.5 million people in the UK – people most at risk from suffering Covid-19 complications – can access appointments through the NHS national booking system at nhs.uk/bookcovid, through the NHS App, or by calling 119.



Those eligible for the Spring booster include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people aged six months and over with a weakened immune system who are at a greater risk from severe illness. The Covid-19 virus continues to circulate and can be highly dangerous for some people. Over the winter period, hospitals saw an average of more than 1,000 beds each day taken up by Covid patients.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed those who received a vaccine were more than 40 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one. Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Executive Director of Clinical and Professional, said: "Previous immunity – either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination – can wane over time, so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection". Thousands of appointments are available every day across the country, with most happening at pharmacies.

They will continue to be available until Tuesday 17 June. As well as booked appointments, walk-in appointments may also be available, with a full list of locations available on the NHS walk-in finder. The list of pharmacies where appointments are available changes often because of slots being booked and the availability of vaccine supplies.

Local NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get jabbed close to home, as well as organising visits to older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP. Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses can still get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.

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