Final Few Weeks for Spring Booster with More Than Half Protected

The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is encouraging people to come forward for their spring booster ahead of the seasonal campaign which comes to a close at the end of June.

Friday 30 June is the final opportunity for those yet to have their first or second covid vaccine dose to come forward.   To date the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme has provided more than 45,000 people locally with a spring booster, protecting over 60% of those eligible.  And with lots of appointments available over the next few weeks, at many sites across the county, it’s easier than ever to get protected.  Following this period, the NHS will be moving to a targeted seasonal offer for those at increased risk.

The Spring campaign kicked off on 3 April in adult care homes and roving NHS teams have now visited all care homes in the area.  Resulting in more than 2,000 eligible care home residents – around 85% of those eligible – receiving this extra protection.

Steve Ellis, Service Director at Shropshire Community Health Trust with responsibility for Covid Vaccinations said: “Most of those offered the vaccine this spring have now had this extra protection, including over 80% of older adult care home residents. There are now just a few weeks left for others who are eligible to come forward.

“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, after which the offer will become more targeted, similar to the regular flu vaccine. Please make the most of the month ahead by protecting yourself from COVID before the offer ends.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “It’s fantastic to see more than half of eligible people have topped up their protection against Covid with a spring booster, but the job is not done.

“If you have not yet taken up the offer you have just a few weeks left until the programme closes, to join the 3.6 million people that have already had the jab. Even if you’ve not yet had your first dose of the Covid vaccine, you can still come forward before 30 June to boost your protection.”

Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after 30 June 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.

There are more than 20 permanent sites across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, with the majority of appointments being delivered in communities by pharmacies and GP. Alongside this, there are a number of pop-up sites happening in Community locations and Fire Stations.

Further details of sites close to you can be found by visiting the National Booking Service (Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk) to pre-book an appointment or Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk) for walk-in clinics.