Only four weeks left to book your booster!

With only four weeks of the COVID-19 spring vaccination programme remaining - people who are 'at-risk are being urged to book their booster!

The top-up vaccination is being offered to anyone aged 75 and over, or who will be aged 75 by the 30 June 2024, along with older adult care home residents and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Since the launch of our spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign in April we have vaccinated 71.1% of our vulnerable care home residents and more than 210,322 people, who are eligible, have come forward to get their all-important protection.

"This is wonderful news – but there are still some people across our region particularly vulnerable to the virus, specifically adults and children with a compromised immune system, who we would really urge to book their booster now before the offer closes on 30 June.

"COVID-19 is still with us and can cause severe illness and hospitalisations in some cases - particularly among those most at risk. The vaccine offers the best protection possible against the virus and its different variants to help reduce that risk."

COVID-19 vaccinations can be booked by calling 119, by using the NHS App or online at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

Joint appointment booking, which can be done online or by calling 119, are also now available enabling two eligible people, aged 18 and over, to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the same location at the same time - making it easier and more convenient to get protected. People booking a joint appointment may be vaccinated at the same time or may be offered back-to-back vaccination slots.

"Even if you've had previous vaccinations, protection against COVID-19 can fade over time and the virus can also change to a new variant," added Dr Monaghan.

"If you are in one of the high-risk eligibility groups it's really important that you top up your protection.

"Booking is easier than ever, so please come forward now to give yourself that all-important protection over the summer months and ensure you don't miss out before the offer ends."