The NHS is urging those who have yet to come forward for a COVID-19 vaccine to do so, as the health service’s autumn booster campaign draws to a close.
By the end of last week, approximately 15,000 people had booked their COVID-19 vaccination appointment with almost 400,000 spaces still available. In line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s guidance, Sunday the 12th of February will be the last day 16-49-year-olds who aren’t considered to be at risk will be able to get a booster.
Since Maggie Keenan became the first person in the world to receive an approved vaccine, the NHS’s COVID-19 vaccination programme has distributed nearly 150 million jabs, including more than 17 million this winter alone.
NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening, Steve Russell, said: “There is just one week left of the autumn booster campaign and so if you are eligible for a booster but have yet to take up your latest dose, please do so before the end of next week.
“Whether you have had previous doses or a bout of covid, we know that a booster is the best way to maintain protection against serious illness from covid for yourself and your loved ones, so please do make the most of the offer while it is available and give yourself both protection and peace of mind for the year ahead.
“NHS staff have worked really hard to deliver a combined 38 million flu and covid doses this winter amid record pressures on emergency services, providing crucial protection and keeping thousands out of hospital, and they will be ready to stand up future campaigns with the same dedication and determination once new guidance is set out.”
Those who are severely are immunosuppressed will still be able to come forward as the health service runs a smaller scale operation, with the more wholesale approach to vaccinations now being exchanged for a more targeted one.
