The NHS kicks off the next phase of its world-renowned covid vaccination programme today (Monday 3 April) with a spring campaign to protect the most vulnerable.

Around 1.27 million people in the Midlands (around 690,000 in the West Midlands and 580,000 in the East Midlands) will be eligible for a spring covid jab, including over 75s, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Those living in care homes will be prioritised and begin to receive vaccinations from today as roving NHS teams visit homes to offer protection.

Others will be able to book in on the National Booking Service or NHS App from Wednesday (5 April), for the first appointments available week beginning Monday 17 April.

It will be the first time that millions will receive their initial invitations through the NHS app, where they can also book, as the NHS continues to expand its technological capabilities.

Text messages and letters will also be sent to those without the app or not actively using it.

The health service has administered more than 144.5 million covid jabs over several vaccination campaigns since Maggie Keenan became the first in the world outside of a clinical trial to receive the vaccination in December 2020.

NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “As a society we are learning to live with covid but for many it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, and so it is still really important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection in the coming weeks.

“There are still around 8,000 people in hospital with covid according to the latest data, and the NHS has now treated more than one million covid inpatients since the pandemic began.

“So if you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, then please come forward as soon as possible to book a covid vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind.”

This latest vaccination, is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation.

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June.

Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, 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.

There will be around 500 sites across the Midlands, with the majority of appointments being delivered in communities by pharmacies and GPs.