The first stage of the spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign began on Monday (3 April 2023) with older adult care residents being prioritised as roving teams visit homes to help keep people safe.
One of the first homes to be visited in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was Engleburn Care Home in New Milton where over 70 residents were offered the vaccine by a specialist team from Coastal Medical Partnership – a group of local GP practices. Coastal Medical Partnership has worked closely with Engleburn Care Home for some years now, so residents felt comfortable and were supported throughout by care staff.
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over 9,000 residents across 413 older adult care home are eligible for the spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “Since the start of the programme, the fantastic teams involved have helped keep people safe by delivering over 42,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“We know that people’s level of immunity reduces over time, so while it may feel for some that they only just had an autumn dose a few months ago, it’s still important they have this spring dose to reduce their risk of getting seriously unwell.
“Our incredible vaccination teams will be visiting over 400 older adult care homes over the coming months, while preparing to also vaccinate other eligible groups from later this month. There’s lots of work going on behind the scenes to get us ready and I would strongly urge anyone eligible to come forward when they are invited.”
Dr Tom Millar, GP at Coastal Medical Partnership was vaccinating at Engleburn Care Home and said: “As a team we have a great relationship with our local care homes and work closely with them to ensure we are not only providing continuity of care, but doing what we can to help keep residents safe.
“We know the impact that COVID-19 has had on care homes and getting vaccinated helps to reduce the chance of people getting seriously unwell if they catch it, so I’m proud of the role the team have played in this. I’d strongly encourage anyone eligible to come forward whether they are due a spring dose or yet to have their first or second dose.”
Tracey Holland, Manager at Engleburn Care Home said: “As seen in other care homes across the country, we too have really experienced the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the vaccine and other measures, we have now been able to safely open more to family and friends wanting to visit their loved ones. The last few years have been really challenging, but I’m glad we were able to work with our local practices to help keep residents safe.”
Over 235,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are eligible for a COVID-19 spring vaccine including everyone aged 75 years plus and those with a weakened immune system. Eligible individuals will be invited to book either directly through their GP practice or from Wednesday this week (5 April) using the National Booking Service or NHS App, with the first appointments becoming available week commencing Monday 17 April.
They may be invited by text, letter or NHS App if registered to use it. Eligible individuals don’t need to contact their practice directly about getting vaccinated as will be invited to come forward when it is their turn. Most spring vaccination appointments will be offered by GP practices and community pharmacies.
People can get information, help with booking an appointment or check eligibility by contacting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018.