As the spring Covid-19 vaccine programme in the South West enters its final month, the NHS is encouraging all eligible individuals who have not yet received their top-up to step forward and get protected before 30 June 2024.

The NHS is introducing joint appointment booking to streamline the process, allowing two eligible individuals aged 18 and above to receive the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously at the same location, making it more convenient for everyone.

Recent data indicates that over half a million individuals (516,907) in the South West have availed themselves of the vaccine offer since the launch of the spring campaign in April. This includes almost two-thirds of care home residents in the region.

Approximately 884,000 individuals in the South West are eligible for the spring Covid-19 vaccination. This includes individuals aged 75 or above by 30 June 2024, older adult care home residents, and individuals aged six months and above with weakened immune systems.

For the first time, joint bookings are now available for those utilizing the online booking system or contacting NHS 119 for their vaccine appointment. If both individuals are eligible and over 18, only one appointment needs to be scheduled for them to receive the vaccine together.

Depending on the vaccination site, individuals with joint appointments may receive their vaccinations simultaneously or in consecutive slots. The NHS is urging eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated before the programme concludes at the end of June.