Spring top up Covid-19 vaccination for people at highest risk from virus

Advice and Information - 23 April 2024

Eligible people are being invited by the NHS to have a top-up Covid-19 vaccination this spring. In line with expert advice, the NHS is offering Covid-19 vaccinations to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including those aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024), residents of care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.
An older woman wearing a face mask receiving a vaccine.

Those who are eligible can make an appointment at a GP vaccination clinic when invited. You can also book an appointment at a GP clinic, your local pharmacy or at a community vaccination clinic in the following simple ways:

  • Download the NHS App and make an appointment
  • Visit www.nhs.uk/get-vaccine to use the online National Booking Service
  • Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)

In Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG), the local NHS will also be offering walk-in vaccinations in community clinics. For details and more information about the spring campaign, visit www.grabajab.net.

Vaccinations for people living in the community begin on 22 April 2024 while local GPs started visiting adult care homes this week. Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.

Dr Geeta Iyer, Clinical Lead for the BNSSG Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: "Protection against Covid-19, either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination, can fade over time and the virus can change so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.

"For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening. If you or your child are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer. It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you the protection you need for the months ahead.

"Covid-19 vaccines provide protection against the virus and help reduce the risk of serious illness. The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions. For local vaccination information, visit www.grabajab.net."

This latest vaccination is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation. Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose. 

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

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Advice and Information