NHS clinicians in the North West are urging people with weakened immune systems to come forward for their spring COVID-19 booster vaccination, to top up their protection against the virus.

The message came as region reached a new milestone of 18 million doses of Covid vaccine given since the vaccination programme started in December 2020.

The current spring vaccine is being offered to people who have a weakened immune system due to some specific medications or conditions. Those eligible include people who have a blood cancer, those currently having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, people with HIV, people who have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant and people who take medicines that increase their risk of infection or suppress their immune system.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West, said people with a weakened immune system may not have responded as strongly or maintained a necessary level of immunity from previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for as long as others, making them more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill or being hospitalised if they catch COVID-19.

She said: “If you have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or medication, it’s really important that you have a further dose of COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

“If you are immunosuppressed, having spring booster will help you to maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.”

Although people with long term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, have been eligible for previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the spring vaccine is not being offered to everyone with a medical condition. In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the spring dose is only being offered to those whose medical condition means they are immunosuppressed.

Linda Charles-Ozuzu added: “People who are at increased risk from COVID-19 due to a medical condition but do not have a weakened immune system should still have some protection against severe COVID-19 from previous doses. If people are unsure whether they have a weakened immune system, I’d encourage them to speak to their GP, pharmacy or specialist for advice.”

More than 250,000 doses of the spring vaccine have already been given to eligible people since the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme launched in the North West on 3 April.

In the North West, more than 77% of care homes have now been visited by roving NHS vaccination teams, bringing protection to the communities who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Professor Richard Preece, Regional Medical Director for Commissioning at NHS England – North West, said: “Thankfully the amount of Covid around is significantly less than it’s been through the pandemic period and that’s really good news, but we still need to be vigilant and people who are vulnerable need to be particularly vigilant and make sure they’re continuing to get the protective effects of vaccination.”

In the latest phase of the fastest and largest vaccination drive in NHS history those eligible are able to book an appointment through the NHS App for the first time. Other ways to book include through the National Booking Service, by calling 119 or finding a walk in centre that is close and convenient for you.

Those who are invited for a spring booster dose should ensure that their appointment is scheduled at least three months from their last dose. The last date to book a spring booster dose is 29 June, with the final spring vaccinations on the following day, 30 June.

More information about eligibility for the COVID-19 spring vaccine if you have a weakened immune system can be found here: NHS England » Who is at increased risk from COVID-19?