Spring booster vaccines will begin in the North West this week as the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history moves to the next phase.

In line with new advice set out by the JCVI, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme will now invite more than half a million eligible people in the region for their spring dose, six months after they had their first booster jab.

The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to be vaccinated and once invited, people will be able to book their appointment through the national booking service or by calling NHS 119.

Eligible groups include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed. From today (Monday 21 March), local NHS teams will also hold vaccine clinics in care homes, with more visits planned in the coming weeks.

More than 555,000 people aged 75 and over are currently eligible for the spring booster dose in the North West, including 27,000 residents in care homes.

GP led teams will continue delivering vaccinations as well as hundreds of pharmacies and hospital hubs. Teams will initially be focusing efforts in care homes, making sure the most vulnerable are protected first.

Across the North West, NHS staff and volunteers have delivered 14.5 million vaccinations in total, including 3.8 million top up jabs, since the booster rollout began in September.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement and Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in the North West, said:

“The NHS is continuing to protect the most vulnerable from the virus as the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme begins today.

“With Covid-19 still circulating, I’d like to encourage everyone eligible to come forward and make sure your protection is topped up as we approach the summer months.

“You don’t need to contact the NHS, you will be invited to book an appointment when eligible.”

Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 getting offered the Pfizer vaccine.