The NHS in England is set to open a booking service for the spring Covid booster jab from Monday. This service will be available for individuals aged 75 or older, as well as those with a weakened immune system. Bookings can be made through the NHS website, app, or by calling 119.
While Covid is now considered a relatively mild disease for most people, it can still pose a significant risk to certain individuals. As a result, the NHS is offering top-up jabs to help lower the risk, especially as the protection from previous vaccinations may fade over time.
Eligible individuals for the spring vaccine include those aged 75 or older, individuals in care homes for older adults, and anyone aged six months or older who is immunosuppressed. Some walk-in centers are also providing the booster jab, and those eligible will be notified via texts, emails, app messages, or letters, although they do not need to wait for the invitation to book.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, the director of immunizations at the UK Health Security Agency, emphasized the importance of getting the spring vaccine for those at the highest risk. She highlighted the continued circulation of Covid-19, which still causes hospitalizations and severe illness, particularly among older individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Dr. Ramsay urged eligible individuals to book their appointments as soon as they receive the invitation from the NHS.
The spring vaccine will utilize Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines, which have been updated to provide protection against more recent Covid variants. Additionally, some high street chemists and private clinics have started selling and administering Covid vaccines to individuals aged 12 and over. These vaccines are priced between £45-£99, and each customer undergoes a health assessment to ensure the suitability of the booster.
According to Chief Executive Graham Thomas of Pharmadoctor, there has been substantial demand for the Pfizer vaccine, with over 1,500 customers purchasing it at pharmacies his company works with. A significant portion of these customers had no underlying medical conditions, while others had conditions such as chronic lung or heart disease. Additionally, a protein-based booster vaccine made by Novavax, which operates in a more traditional manner than mRNA vaccines, is expected to be available for purchase soon. Furthermore, Moderna aims to introduce a combined flu and Covid vaccine in 2025, and private availability of the Covid jab is anticipated from 2024.
As the NHS prepares to launch the spring Covid booster jab booking service, it is crucial for eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their immunity against the ongoing threat of Covid-19.
