Vulnerable Suffolk people to be given spring Covid jab as NHS kicks off next phase of vaccinations

Vulnerable people in Suffolk and the wider region will be offered a further Covid jab as the next phase of the NHS vaccination campaign begins.

Around 750,000 people in the East of England will be eligible for the spring jab, which includes over 75s, those with weakened immune systems and some care home residents.

Over 400 sites will be available for the spring vaccine, with the majority being delivered in pharmacies or GP practices.

Care home residents, who will have visits from roving NHS teams, will begin to receive jabs from Monday.

Others who are eligible will then be able to book in on the National Booking Service or NHS App from next Wednesday, for the first appointments available week commencing Monday April 17.

It will be the first time that millions will be sent their initial invitations through the NHS App, where they can also book, as the NHS continues to expand its technological capabilities. Text messages and letters will also be sent to those without the app or not actively using it.

This comes as the NHS has delivered over 144.5 million Covid jabs over several vaccination campaigns since December 2020.

Ruth Ashmore, the NHS’s lead for the vaccination programme in the East of England, said: "Whilst we are learning to live with Covid, for many people it can still cause serious illness and require care in hospital, so it is important those at the greatest risk come forward to boost their protection.

"There are still about 750 people in our region’s hospitals with Covid, and across the country the NHS has treated more than one million Covid inpatients since the pandemic began.

"If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, please come forward as soon as possible to book your Covid jab this spring so you can enjoy the summer ahead."

Steve Barclay, secretary of state for health and social care, said: "Our successful vaccination programme has helped us all to live with Covid, saved thousands of lives and protected the most vulnerable from serious disease.

"We’re committed to giving vulnerable people the protection they need from the virus, so I want to encourage those who are 75 or over or who have a weakened immune system to book their booster jab from Wednesday.

"It’s quick and easy and will give the protection you need for the months ahead."

The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on June 30.

Covid vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the JCVI.

After June 30, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.