NHS Launches Spring Covid Vaccination Campaign 

People living in care homes for older adults are among the first in Cheshire and Merseyside to receive the NHS COVID-19 spring vaccination, as roving NHS teams begin visiting care homes (starting Monday 3 April).

Around 215,000 people in Cheshire and Merseyside will be eligible for a spring covid jab including over 75s, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Those who are 75 or over or who have a weakened immune system are able to book their booster jab from Wednesday 5 April and appointments will start from 17 April. Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

“The vaccination is being offered to protect those most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID.

“If you’re eligible for a vaccination this spring, you will receive a text message, email, NHS App message or letter from the NHS when it’s your turn to come forward.

”There will be around 100 GP and pharmacy sites delivering vaccinations across the region, so please do book your appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is quick and easy and will give the protection you need.”

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

“COVID is still with us and causing serious illness and hospitalisation for those most vulnerable. The vaccine is the best protection against getting seriously ill from the virus and spreading it to other people.

“Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time, so don’t get caught out. Make sure you and your loved ones get all the protection you need.”

The last date people will be able to book a spring vaccination will be 29 June.

It’s also still not too late to get an earlier dose of the vaccine if you need one. COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be available for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022.

However, the last vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.

If you are eligible for your first, second or booster dose, you can make a booking by using the NHS App or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free.

To find convenient walk-in vaccinations near you, visit nhs.uk/vaccine-walk-in.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus, alongside a broad range of physical health checks and mental wellbeing support.

The service, run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), can also connect people with other local services such as help with finances, social care, diet and lifestyle.

Visit cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice for the full bus timetable to see when it’s in your area.