BERKSHIRE residents are now able to book their spring covid vaccinations following the opening of the national system for arranging top-up jabs.
The NHS has announced that the system for arranging appointments for those needing booster jabs is taking bookings for eligible residents.
People at increased risk of illness, such as those with compromised immune systems, those aged over 75, or those living in older adult care homes can get the booster vaccine.
Those who are yet to receive any covid vaccinations are also encouraged to sign up for an appointment.
While the NHS is contacting many of those residents, they are not required to wait to be contacted to book their appointment.
Spring vaccinations are available until Sunday, June 30.
Eligible residents are being encouraged to get the shingles vaccine, too, recommended for all adults turning 65, aged between 70-79, and those over 50 with severely weakened immune systems.
The NHS has also released data that shows that those who received a vaccine in last spring were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination.
From Monday, April 15, the NHS also began undertaking visits to older adult care homes and some housebound patients.
Rachael Corser, Chief Nursing Officer for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board who manage health and care services in our health region said: “This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus.
“With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible for the spring vaccine get their jab to help top up their immunity.
“We are still seeing COVID-19 causing hospitalisations and severe illness particularly among older people and those with weakened immune systems and the vaccine provides the best protection – so don’t put it off, if you’re eligible book your appointment as soon as you’re invited by the NHS.”
Residents in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire are can access information and advice, including dates for walk-in clinics via: bit.ly/springbooster24
Eligible residents can book vaccine appointments via: nhs.uk/nhs-services or via the NHS app.