• The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in North East and Yorkshire has now vaccinated almost half of those eligible with a spring booster.
• NHS urges those with a weakened immune system to come forward for their spring vaccine.

More than 467,000 people have taken up the offer of a spring COVID jab to keep up their protection from the virus.

Across the region, around one million people are eligible, including those with a weakened immune system, care home residents and anyone aged 75 and over.

The offer formally opened to everyone outside of a care home on 17 April. NHS staff have also been going into older adult care homes to offer residents the vaccine since 3 April.

Regional Medical Director, Dr Yvette Oade CBE (pictured), said: “Spring is well and truly upon us and whilst the mild weather has begun, the threat of COVID-19 is very much still with us and we must continue to ensure the most vulnerable in our society continue to receive this important protection.

“It’s fantastic to see that just over a month into the spring campaign, more than 467,000 people have come forward for a booster to keep up their protection from COVID – almost half of those eligible in the region.

“If you are one of those due a jab this spring but yet to come forward – please do book an appointment online or via the NHS App as soon as feasible.”

The NHS is encouraging people who have a weakened immune system and who have received an invite letter to make sure they come forward too. These could include those with:

• a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
• an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• HIV infection at all stages
• a genetic disorder affecting the immune system
• a treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on your dosage)
• a long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis.

Dr Oade added: “This current spring vaccine offer is more targeted to those at higher risk from the virus – and we are really keen for those with a reduced immune system to come forward to top up their protection.

“There are a number of health conditions and treatments that may mean you have a weakened immune system, so if you’re unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or your specialist for advice.”

The current vaccination campaign is set to end on 30 June when the offer of a first or second dose for anyone yet to come forward will also end as COVID vaccinations move to a seasonal targeted offer.