NHS launches spring booster vaccinations

As part of its Living with Covid plan, the government has set out that specific groups will be offered an additional COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

People aged 75 and over are to be offered the further vaccination as well as those aged 12 and above who are immunosuppressed.

Across the UK, a second booster will be offered to:

• adults aged 75 and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• people aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems

The dose is to be given six months after the previous booster. You will be contacted by the NHS and invited to book your spring booster when it’s due.

The Pfizer vaccine will be offered to 12 to 18-year-olds, and either Pfizer or Moderna to other eligible people.

Previously, only people with severely weakened immune systems have been offered four jabs – defined as their three primary doses and a booster.

The UK’s vaccine advisers, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said an extra dose would help maintain protection from severe Covid in the most vulnerable individuals.

Immunity declines over time and many of the groups affected received their third dose in September or October.

People are asked not to contact their GP practice or other NHS services to ask about this at this stage and there will be more information shared shortly, including details of how to arrange a vaccination.

Further information on Covid-19 booster vaccinations is available here.