Residents urged to get spring vaccine before deadline
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have urged eligible residents across the region to take up their invitation for a free Covid-19 vaccination as part of their ongoing spring campaign; which is set to finish on June 17 (Tuesday) after running for a total of eleven weeks since April 1.
Figures have shown than more than 150,000 vaccinations have been given to residents across the region in this period. But this is still short of the 243,000 people who have been identified as being eligible for this treatment; including those who are aged seventy-five or over, care home residents and those who have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
Many residents have been invited directly by their GP service if they are eligible, but people are reminded that they don’t need to be contacted due to ongoing pressures. They can instead book timeslots via the National Booking System or the NHS App until June 17, whilst people may also contact 119 if they struggle to use digital technologies.
Deputy Clinical Lead for the Covid Vaccine Programme, Julia Bowey, said: “Since the start of the spring programme in April, more than 150,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have already received their spring COVID-19 vaccine, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We have plenty of appointments available over the next four weeks and it would be great to see more of those who are eligible coming forward to be vaccinated.”
“While for many it may feel like COVID-19 is a thing of the past, we know that it continues to circulate, and we need to do what we can to keep those most at-risk of serious illness safe. Getting this spring dose helps to increase your level of protection and reduces your risk of hospitalisation if you catch the virus, so I would strongly urge everyone eligible to get booked in as soon as you can.”
Readers can further speak to the Covid Vaccination Helpline Team if they are unsure if they are eligible, don’t know whether their condition falls into the eligibility criteria, or struggling to book an appointment. They are contactable by calling 0300 561 0018 between 9am and 5pm through the traditional working week (Monday – Friday).
Despite the spring campaign ending in June, the COVID-19 vaccination programme will reopen in the autumn. The NHS is waiting for final guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) and the government on who will be eligible; so readers are asked to check for updates in due course.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Female patient receives a vaccination from the NHS against Covid-19 as part of spring campaign.
