The NHS in West Yorkshire offers local people protection in its new spring Covid-19 campaign starting in care homes for older adults from Monday (15 April 2024) 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.
Across West Yorkshire vaccinations will be delivered in over 180 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.
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director at West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:
“Covid-19 is still very dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for older people and those with a weakened immune system.
“People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024), people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.
“The Covid-19 vaccine offers 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. Anyone eligible who has not received a previous dose – or has not for a while – should get vaccinated during this spring offer, to help protect against serious illness. It is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection.
“You can book an appointment easily and quickly on the NHS App, by calling 119 for free, or visiting the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across our region that you can visit without an appointment.”
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.
This post is based on a press release issued by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
Photo: Shutterstock
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