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NHS issues final call to come forward for COVID Booster in the South East

The NHS is encouraging people to come forward for their COVID booster before the offer, part of the biggest and most successful programme in health history, ends next month.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that, thanks to the success of the programme, the seasonal booster dose should end when the autumn campaign ends, which will be on Sunday 12 February.

The JCVI has also advised that the offer of the 1st COVID booster for all 16 to 49-year-olds, who are not considered at risk, will also end at the same time.

Caroline Reid, Director of Commissioning and SRO for the Flu and Covid vaccination programme at NHS England South East, said: “In light of the JCVI’s latest announcement, please make sure you and your loved ones get your booster if it’s due.

She added:I am incredibly proud of how the NHS COVID vaccination programme has been delivered in the South East over the last two years, which would not have been possible without the sheer hard work and determination of staff, our partners, volunteers and our communities, so a big thank you.”

In line with latest published data, the South East of England has delivered over 20 million Covid-19 vaccinations since the programme began in December 2020. This includes first dose, second dose, booster or third dose, providing widespread protection from the virus and its variants.

For more information on how to book a vaccination if eligible, please visit http://nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.

The JCVI will set out further guidance on who will be eligible for COVID vaccines in future phases of the programme, such as any spring campaign as well as next autumn’s, in due course.

The NHS will continue to operate a smaller scale vaccine offer from mid-February onwards to ensure those eligible for first and second doses can still get their jabs..

The NHS is also prepared to move quickly to roll out a potential spring campaign, as well as another autumn campaign later this year, and will set out operational plans once further guidance is received.

NOTE: The flu programme across the South East will continue past the 12 February. We will bring you more information as and it becomes available.