Eligible residents reminded of spring vaccine deadline
By Priya Mistry
VULNERABLE RESIDENTS living across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been reminded of the opportunity to receive their Covid-19 spring vaccination as part of a NHS programme; which is scheduled to end on June 30 after two months of work by staff / volunteers.
The programme was launched for eligible adults on April 15 and more than 173,000 people have come forward according to figures late last week. But the NHS believe that there are many other adults who haven’t booked their vaccinations and meet the eligibility criteria.
This includes everybody aged seventy five or over, residents of care homes for older people and adults / children who have a weakened immune system (aged six months and over). Those covered included people living with HIV, undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, going through organ / bone marrow or stem cell transplants and those with genetic disorders / taking mediation that will affect their immune system.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “We want to say a massive thank you to all those who have come forward to have their vaccination. I also want to say thank you to all the teams and volunteers involved to help deliver the programme – we could not do this without your hard work.”
He continued to say: “Having the vaccination can help prevent you from developing serious illness should you get COVID-19. If you are eligible for the vaccination but haven’t had a chance to receive it then there is still time.”
Many people will have been invited directly via their GP practice already, but eligible people do not need to wait for a message to book a vaccination appointment. This can be done using the National Booking System by calling 119 or organising a slot on the NHS App until 30th June.
Vaccinations can then be obtained from GP practices, pharmacies and pop-up / roving clinics across the region; whilst a special vehicle is also on the road to help deliver Covid-19 vaccines to some of our communities who have experienced difficulties in accessing their vaccinations.
The vehicle, run by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and supported by Hampshire County Council, will be travelling to different parts of the county to deliver the vaccine closer to people’s homes. People do not need to make an appointment and they can walk in to have their vaccination if they are eligible.
Eligible people aged 12 and over will be able to receive their vaccination on the roving vehicle. Those under 12 can contact their GP practice to get booked in. the vehicle is scheduled to be in multiple areas across the next twelve days and more information can be seen here: https://www.hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk/your-health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-programme.
Readers can contact the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID Vaccination Helpline Team on 0300 561 0018 if they are unsure about whether their health condition meets eligibility criteria. The number can also be phoned to gain support in booking an appointment or asking any queries; which the team will try their very best to answer.
PICTURED BY PIXABAY: Eligible residents across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have been reminded of the opportunity to get their spring Covid-19 vaccination before deadline.
