As part of World Immunization Week 2024 NHS South Yorkshire is encouraging those eligible for their COVID-19 spring booster to book their jab as soon as possible and sharing the link to book at pharmacies offering the vaccine.
Following JCVI advice, this year those eligible include those aged 75 and over by 30 June 2024, older adult care home residents, and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and over.
Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from six months old instead of five years.
Appointments can be booked on the NHS website nhs.uk, on the NHS App or by ringing 119 free of charge.
A number of South Yorkshire pharmacies are now also offering walk in appointments. You can search for one near you here.
This service will find pharmacies offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccination services today. You can check opening times and which age groups can use a site before visiting. Not all sites are open to children or young people under 16. Some pharmacies can only offer COVID-19 vaccination at certain times, so you may be asked to wait or come back later.
Dr David Crichton, local GP and Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said:
“World Immunization Week takes place each year to highlight the importance of immunization globally and is an opportunity to feature vaccines as one of the greatest achievements, saving millions of lives every year.
“COVID-19 can still be serious and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus, and protects against different variants.”
The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for all adults turning 65 from 1 September 2023, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.
For more information about the COVID-19 booster including frequently asked questions visit the NHS South Yorkshire web site here.