The most vulnerable people in Wakefield District are encouraged to book spring COVID-19 vaccinations

The NHS in Wakefield District offers local people protection in its new spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign starting in care homes for older adults from Monday 15 April and to wider eligible groups on Monday 22 April.

Following Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, the eligible cohorts this spring include:

• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

The main change to eligibility from previous COVID-19 programmes is that those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from 6 months instead of 5 years.

People are encouraged to book a vaccination appointment through the NHS National Booking System.

On Monday 15 April the first visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients will start.  People who receive their care in their own homes should contact their GP in the first instance.

From Monday 22 April vaccinations for the wider eligible groups will be offered.

Spring COVID-19 vaccinations are available until 30 June 2024.

Vaccination appointments can be made via the NHS website or by calling 119.  Parents or carers can 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.

NHS England is also sending reminder texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to eligible people, however they can also go ahead and book appointments at any time.

Vaccinations will be delivered in participating pharmacies, GP led primary care networks and at advertised pop-up clinic events.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance data on the 2023 spring COVID-19 vaccination programme shows 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.

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 also be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.