Doctors are urging those eligible for a spring Covid-19 vaccine to come forward, as new figures published show four in 10 eligible people (41.6%) have now received their jabs in the North East and Yorkshire region.

Weekly vaccination data shows NHS teams have now delivered half a million (498,490) jabs in the region since the rollout kicked off on 1 April.

But with just under six weeks to go, the NHS is reminding those at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus, to come forward for their free vaccination and top-up their protection this spring – including those aged 75 and over and people who are immunosuppressed.

The NHS has now invited all eligible people to come forward for their jabs, with over 1 million people in the region receiving invitations and follow-up reminders via text, email, NHS App messages or post.

Visits to care homes will continue to run over the next six weeks, with latest data showing uptake from older adults in care homes is now at 54% across the North East and Yorkshire.

NHS North East and Yorkshire Regional Medical Director, Dr Hamish McLure, said:    

“Local NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get that important spring vaccine close to home, with thousands of appointments available across the region every day.

“There’s still plenty of time to join the half a million in the North East and Yorkshire who have topped up their protection already. You do not need to wait for this to book – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 to get an appointment in your diary.”

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said:

“Covid-19 is not just a winter illness and we cannot let the recent sunshine fool us into thinking it is no longer a threat. The virus continues to be dangerous for those most at-risk, particularly older people and those with weakened immune systems, so we are encouraging all those who are eligible to come forward as soon as possible and join the three million people already vaccinated so far (in England) over the last month.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton, said:

“The Covid-19 vaccine is a crucial weapon in the fight to protect those most vulnerable to serious illness. That is why it is essential that everyone who is eligible for the spring jab gets it as soon as possible and tops up their protection.

“You can get yours for free at thousands of sites open across the country, including local pharmacies and GP practices.”

Those eligible can book their appointment now through the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/bookcovid), the NHS App or by calling 119. As well as booked appointments, there are thousands of walk-in appointments available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder.