Spring COVID-19 booster programme begins this week

Eligible people will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose. The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

People across Devon will be able to book their Spring coronavirus booster jab from this week. 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) confirmed last month that there would be a spring coronavirus booster programme.

They advise that it should be offered to:

adults aged 75 years and over

residents in care homes for older adults

individuals aged 5 and over who are immunosuppressed

Eligible people will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose.

The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated. There are different ways you can get a COVID-19 vaccine booster, including:

• booking an appointment online

• going to a walk-in site

• a local NHS service, such as a GP surgery

• through your care home

Alternatively, you can call 119 free of charge to book over the phone if you are not able to book online.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

“COVID-19 is still circulating widely, and we have recently seen increases in older people being hospitalised.

“It is important those at highest risk of severe illness do not become complacent and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward once the booster programme starts.”

Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health Devon, said:

“Case levels are relatively low in Devon but coronavirus is still circulating and can still be a risk to certain groups of people. The coronavirus vaccine is still the most effective way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill should you catch it, and therefore it’s important for these groups of people to keep up with their vaccinations. If you are in one of these eligible groups, I encourage you to come forward for your vaccination when you are invited to do so.”

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon

For more information, visit the NHS website . A guide to the COVID-19 spring booster 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)