Clinics open for COVID-19 spring vaccinations

The next stage of the world-renowned COVID vaccination programme kicks off on Monday (17 April) to give added protection to those over the age of 75 and those with weakened immune systems.

35 clinics in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be open and offering vaccinations to those who are eligible.

More than 43,000 people across the Midlands have already made bookings via the National Booking Service and many more people have booked through their own GP surgeries.

In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent there are 140,000 people eligible for the spring vaccine. Everyone eligible will receive an invite – by text, by letter or through the NHS App – and is encouraged to book on the National Booking Service Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk) by calling 119 or by using the NHS App.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COVID-19 vaccination programme lead Sam Buckingham, said: “As a society we are learning to live with COVID but for many it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation. These are the people we are inviting to come forward to top up the protection the vaccine offers them.

“This protection does fade after a number of months so it is important that we offer seasonal top ups to help older people and those who have weakened immune systems avoid the risk of serious illness.

“In a change to previous phases of the vaccination campaign, people no longer need to wait for a set period of time if they have COVID before coming forward for vaccination. As long as they feel well, they can be vaccinated.

“The spring vaccination campaign will end on 30 June. First and second doses of the vaccine will also stop being offered on the same date. Anyone who hasn’t yet had any COVID-19 vaccinations, or has just has the first one, is urged to come forward as soon as possible to ensure they are vaccinated before the 30 Junedeadline.”

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Vaccinations at care homes have been taking place since Monday 3 April, and so far over 2,800 care homes residents have been vaccinated.

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.