The next stage of the spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign began earlier this week with people aged 75 years and over, as well as those aged five and over with a weakened immune system starting to receive their vaccines.
On day one of the public campaign (Monday 17 April), just under 4,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight received their spring vaccine, helping to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Over 15,000 appointments have already been booked through the National Booking System for eligible individuals to get vaccinated over the next two weeks with thousands more booking directly through their GP Practice. This runs alongside the continued effort of teams to visit older adult care homes and ensure they are also vaccinated.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “Since the start of the spring programme earlier this month, more than 13,500 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 lots of appointments available over the next few weeks and it has been fantastic to see such a great response from day one.
“From GP practices and community pharmacy to pop-up clinics and hospital hubs, there are plenty of ways for those eligible to get vaccinated. You may be invited directly by the NHS or your GP practice, but if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait to be invited and can book online via nhs.uk/CovidVaccination or by contacting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline team on 0300 561 0018.
“While for many it may feel like COVID 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.”
The last vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June. After that the offer from the NHS will be more targeted and usually during seasonal campaigns.
Over 235,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are eligible for a COVID-19 spring vaccine including everyone who turns 75 years plus (before the end of June) and those with a weakened immune system.
While we are offering the spring vaccination, there’s also an opportunity for people to get a first or second COVID-19 vaccination, or both if they come for their first before 5 May.
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.
Key dates
- 3 April 2023: NHS began vaccinating residents of older adult care homes with the spring vaccine.
- 17 April 2023: NHS began vaccinating eligible members of the public with the spring vaccine.
- 5 May 2023: Last chance to get a first dose to receive full primary course during spring for not-at-risk adults aged 18 and over.
- 29 June 2023: The last date for the public to book spring boosters.
- 30 June 2023: The last date for the public to get vaccinated outside of seasonal booster campaigns.