The NHS in the South East has vaccinated more than half of its eligible population for the spring booster vaccination. 

Over half a million (533,683) of the most vulnerable to Covid have received their Spring Booster across the region in just six weeks of the latest phase of the NHS covid vaccination programme being rolled out.

The rapid rollout means that the NHS covid vaccination programme, the biggest and fastest in health service history, has protected over half of those who are eligible in the South East, including people aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and those who are immunosuppressed.

In total, around 974,185 people across the South East are eligible for this dose, in line with JCVI guidance.

Local NHS teams have already contacted care homes in their area, similar to previous rollouts, and arranged spring boosters for people who are eligible.

The NHS is encouraging those aged 75 and over and anyone who is immunosuppressed to come forward as soon as they are eligible, to ensure they are receiving the maximum possible protection.

Caroline Reid, Covid Vaccination Programme lead for the NHS in the South East of England, said:  “It’s a testament to the hardworking NHS staff and volunteers across the region that in just over six weeks more than half of those entitled to a spring booster are now protected.

“The NHS is continuing to invite thousands of people every single week and I’d encourage everyone offered the dose to take it up – it has always been, and remains, our best defence against Covid. Please come forward as soon as you’re eligible to protect yourself.”

People aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and those who are immunosuppressed have been able to get their spring booster since 21 March. Alongside hundreds of thousands of invites, reminders have been sent by the NHS to those who are eligible for their spring booster.

Spring booster jab appointments can be booked quickly and conveniently on the NHS website and people that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Healthcare workers and volunteers have delivered jabs at thousands of sites including shopping centres, racecourses, theatres, theme parks, places of worship and even a curry house as well as hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and at community pharmacies.

Recent research from the UK Health Security Agency showed that the NHS booster programme has helped prevent around 186,000 hospitalisations since mid-December.

Meanwhile, a report from the National Audit Office has said the NHS Vaccination Programme met “stretching and unprecedented targets” as it helped save lives and reduce hospital admissions – all while making effective use of public money.