NHS announce spring Covid-19 vaccination rollout
By Priya Mistry
VULNERABLE RESIDENTS across both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been given the opportunity to receive their Covid-19 spring vaccinations from next week after an announcement from the NHS, who started their latest campaign across the country on Monday (April 15).
The vaccination is due to be offered to approximately 211,000 eligible people across this region and aims to protect everybody who has a risk of serious illness if they catch the COVID-19 virus. This includes those aged over seventy five years old alongside adults and children (over six months old) who have a weakened immune system.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP / Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic may seem a thing of the past, and we’re grateful that for the large part we are continuing to live our lives like normal, we know the virus continues to circulate.
“For people who may have a weaker immune system due to factors such as age or medical conditions, having your spring vaccination helps to increase your level of protection and reduces your risk of hospitalisation if you catch the virus.
He continued: “Some people may wonder why they keep being offered the vaccination, and the answer to that is simple. Viruses change over time and therefore so does the vaccine to make sure you are offered the best protection.”
Care home residents have been offered the vaccination throughout this week and the booking system is now open for other eligible people to book their vaccinations from next Monday (April 22). If people are unable to use the booking system, they can phone 119 or use the NHS App to book a slot until June 30 (Sunday).
Eligible people may have been invited directly via their GP practice already, but they don’t need to wait for an official invitation to book a vaccination. Slots are available at multiple GP practices, pharmacies and pop up / roving clinics in the region, with the location to be made clear for people when they book their appointment.
If anybody is unsure about eligibility and their personal health conditions, they can contact the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Helpline team by phoning 0300 561 0018. They will be able to ask questions, book vaccination slots and follow up if required for customers who call this free contact number.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT ICB: People are now able to book their spring Covid-19 vaccination across the region as NHS began campaign earlier this week.
