The NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme spring offer begins this week with more than 320,000 people have already booked their appointment.

Around five million people are eligible, including over 75s, those aged five and over with a weakened immune system, and older adult care home residents.

NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “The covid vaccine still has a crucial role to play in protecting those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus, including those with a weakened immune system as well as all aged 75 and above.

“It is great to see that around 320,000 people have booked in to get a jab with around hundreds of thousands of further slots available across the country this week alone.

“The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme has delivered almost 145 million vaccine doses since December 2020 and staff will not stop in their efforts to give people extra protection. I would urge anyone eligible for this extra protection to get their spring covid vaccination at the earliest opportunity and give yourself peace of mind this summer”.

Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: “As we enter spring, it’s important to remember immunity from Covid vaccines wanes over time. From today, a further one million people will be invited to top up their protection against the virus.

“For the first time, invites to book a Covid jab are being sent via the NHS App – a fantastic example of how we’re using technology to make it easier for people to access health services. With over 3,000 vaccination sites across England, it couldn’t be easier to get your jab when invited so please do not hesitate.

“The offer of a first and second dose of vaccine to healthy adults will also be ending on 30 June and I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to join the nearly 43 million who have already received both doses.”

Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay