COVID-19 spring booster vaccination appointments get underway in Cheshire and Merseyside

Thousands of COVID-19 spring vaccinations will be given to some of Cheshire and Merseyside’s most vulnerable residents from this week as the first bookable appointments get underway in the region.

The spring vaccination programme launched earlier this month, with roving vaccination teams initially taking the latest dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out to people living in care homes for older adults.

From Monday 17 April, people aged 75 and over and those aged 5 over with weakened immune systems can book appointments by using the NHS App or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free.

Around 215,000 of those most at-risk of becoming ill with COVID-19, including people 75 and over and those with weakened immune systems, are eligible for the spring booster dose in the region.

The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is urging those who have yet to book their appointment for the spring booster dose to come forward and get the protection as soon as they can.

Joyce Rushton, 90, a care home resident from Wirral who was one of the first in the region to receive the spring booster earlier this month, said: “I’m very pleased to have had the injection, because I think it’s so important to be protected against COVID-19.

“I’ve had it twice myself, so I know how important it is.”

This latest phase of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme is the first time that millions across the country will be sent their initial invitations through the NHS App and use the app to book their appointment, 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.

Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “The vaccination is being offered to protect those most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID. 

“If you’re eligible for a vaccination this spring, you will receive a text message, email, NHS App message or letter from the NHS when it’s your turn to come forward.

“There will be around 100 GP and pharmacy sites delivering vaccinations across the region, so please do book your appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is quick and easy and will give the protection you need.”

Those who are invited for a spring booster dose should ensure that their appointment is scheduled at least three months from their last dose.

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

The offer of first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations for children, who were aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022, will also end after that date. 

Anyone eligible who has had just one Covid vaccination, or not had one at all, is encouraged to come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible before 30 June. 

The last date for a first dose in order to receive a full primary course of the vaccine is 5 May. 

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

For more information about the spring vaccine, visit: nhs.uk/CovidVaccination

You can book your spring booster on the National Booking Service or on the NHS App.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus, alongside a broad range of physical health checks and mental wellbeing support. The service, run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) can also connect people with other local services such as help with finances, social care, diet and lifestyle. Visit cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice for the bus timetable.