Those who are at increased risk from COVID-19 can book their spring vaccination appointment now.

People that are eligible

People that are eligible include those who:

• are aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024);
• have a weakened immune system;
• live in an older adult care home.

All of these groups could be more likely to be severely ill if they catch the virus.

Bookings open

Vaccinations start from Monday 22^nd April and continue until Sunday 30th June, but bookings have opened this week.

The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible. However, people are being urged not to wait to be invited for their top-up protection, but instead book now.

You can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free.

Parents or carers

Parents or carers can book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.

You can use this link to find a list of Community Pharmacies in Sefton that are taking part in the Spring Covid campaign.

You can find walk-in availability for community pharmacies, which is updated daily, on the NHS walk-in finder, which is updated daily.

You can also find dates for walk in clinics in Sefton on the Living Well Bus, here.

Most effective public health intervention in the world 

Margaret Jones who is Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: "Vaccination is one the most effective public health interventions in the world for saving lives and protecting good health.

"Data has shown the positive effect that being part of last year’s Spring vaccination programme had, so I encourage anyone in Sefton who is eligible, to book their appointment now."

Those who were vaccinated as part of last year’s spring COVID-19 programme were shown to be around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.

Still dangerous and life-threatening

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England North West, said: “COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus.

“Even if people have had previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, viruses change and protection fades over time so it’s really important that people come forward to get this latest dose of vaccine.”

Top up your protection

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:  “There are more than 180 sites offering COVID-19 vaccines across Cheshire and Merseyside, including GP practices, hospital hubs, community pharmacies and mobile clinics such as Cheshire & Merseyside’s Living Well Bus.

“We’re encouraging those who are eligible to take a moment to book their appointment online or to visit a local walk-in clinic and top up their protection by getting vaccinated this spring.”

Over 100,000 bookable appointments during first two weeks

More than 100,000 bookable appointments are available during the first two weeks of the spring programme.

Vaccinations visits to people in older adult care homes and eligible household patients, have also started this week. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.

Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine should also get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.

The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.