More than 1.2 million eligible individuals in the South East can now book their spring COVID-19 vaccination as the NHS national booking system opens today (Tuesday 25 March).

People can now schedule appointments from Tuesday, 1 April. Thousands of appointments will be available daily across the South East, primarily at pharmacies and GP practices as the vaccination programme runs until 17 June.

Those eligible for this year’s spring COVID-19 vaccine include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who are at greater risk of severe illness.

The COVID-19 virus continues to circulate and can be highly dangerous, particularly for these groups. Nationally, hospitals saw an average of more than 1,000 beds each day over winter occupied by COVID-19 patients.

The vaccine provides vital protection against different strains of the COVID virus, helping to reduce the risk of catching and spreading it, as well as the risk of serious illness or hospitalisation if infected.

Surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year’s spring COVID-19 vaccination program showed that those who received a vaccine were more than 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.

Caroline Reid, Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 vaccination program, NHS England South East, said: “Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is easy, with thousands of appointments now available for those who are eligible, either online or by telephone.

“Protection against COVID-19, whether from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination, can fade over time, and the virus can change. If you are at higher risk of severe illness, it is important to top up your protection.

“We are contacting everyone who is eligible for the jab via text, email, NHS App messages, or letters, but you don’t need to wait for an invite to book. Just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App, or call 119 now to book your appointment.”

Local NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated close to home, as well as organising visits to older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients. For those who receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.

In addition to booked appointments, there are thousands of walk-in appointments available daily, with a full list of local locations on the NHS walk-in finder.

Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses should still get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer to help protect against serious illness.

Eligibility for a spring vaccination, as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), includes the following groups:

• Adults aged 75 years and over, including those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025.
• Residents in a care home for older adults.
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a; Tables 3 and 4.

A summary of the health conditions, treatments, and medications that can cause a weakened immune system is available on the NHS.UK website, and a full definition of immunosuppression can be found in Chapter 14a (Table 3) of the Green Book.

Ends