The NHS is encouraging eligible people to come forward for their spring booster ahead of the seasonal campaign coming to a close on Friday 30 June.

The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Devon has provided more than 124,100 people with a spring booster to date, which is over 65% of those eligible.

The spring booster is for anyone aged over 75 years old and anyone over five years old who is immunosuppressed.

Dr Alex Degan, primary care medical director, NHS Devon, said: “This lovely weather might make it feel like getting vaccinated is less of a priority, but it is important that those who are eligible for their spring booster come forward for their jab.”

The campaign kicked off on 3 April in adult care homes and roving NHS teams have now visited all eligible care homes in Devon. More than 9,000 care home residents have had this extra protection.

This spring booster 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.

First or second COVID-19 vaccinations

Friday 30 June is also the last chance for those yet to have their first or second COVID vaccine dose to come forward. After this, the NHS is moving to a targeted seasonal offer for those at increased risk.

Dr Degan continued: “If you have had only one COVID vaccine so far, or none at all, it is not too late. You can get vaccinated quickly and easily until 30 June so please make the most of the month ahead by protecting yourself from COVID before the offer ends. There are appointments available over the next three weeks at sites across the county, making it easier than ever to get protected.”

Booking a vaccination

Most vaccination appointments are being delivered by pharmacies and GPs but there are also vaccination centres at sites across Devon. 

The online booking system for those eligible for their vaccination can be accessed here until 29 June: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but hasn’t received an invite can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

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

COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged five on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.