NHS North West Delivers First Spring Booster Vaccinations
The NHS in North West has delivered its first spring boosters to those eligible, as the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history moves to the next phase.
Bernard Bailey, 76, a local resident of Newton Heath, Manchester, was one of the first to receive a spring booster dose and said he “felt really good” to have received his top-up jab.
In line with new advice set out by the JCVI, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme will contact people when it is their turn to be vaccinated, around six months on from their initial booster.
Bernard Bailey, 76, felt good to recieve his COVID-19 spring booster dose
Once invited by the NHS, people will be able to book their appointment through the National Booking System either online or by calling NHS 119.
Eligible groups for spring boosters include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over.
Local NHS teams will offer vaccinations to care homes, with more visits planned in the coming weeks.
During the latest phase of the biggest and most successful vaccination drive in health history around half a million people in the region will be able to get a spring dose as part of the NHS’ campaign.
Research by UKHSA estimates since mid-December some 157,000 hospitalisations have been prevented nationally by booster doses.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in the North West, said: “The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has not stopped in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable people from coronavirus – and with thousands of local residents eligible for a spring dose, we want everybody to come forward once invited without delay.
“Thanks to the efforts of our staff and volunteers, we have protected millions of people at speed and now they will once again rise to the next challenge.
“There is no need to contact the NHS – when you are eligible for your ‘spring boost’ of protection, we will be in touch so you can book your appointment at one of hundreds of vaccination sites across the North West.”
NHS staff and volunteers have delivered over 14.6 million vaccinations in total across the North West including 3.8 million top-up jabs since the booster rollout began in September.
Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 being offered the Pfizer vaccine.
The NHS also continues to offer first, second, and third doses for those who have yet to come forward for one.
Bernard Bailey, 76, from Newton Heath, Manchester, said:
“After the first three [vaccine doses] I felt good and when it came on telly yesterday that anyone over 75 or who is immunosuppressed can have their fourth vaccination, I phoned my daughter up and she got me an appointment straight away.
“The nurses and doctors and everyone who works at the Greater Manchester Vaccination Centre at the Etihad have been absolutely brilliant and I feel really good.”