Heading into spring, the efficacy of earlier COVID-19 vaccinations is beginning to diminish. To enhance protection, especially for individuals at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the NHS is providing a complimentary vaccine during the spring, previously referred to as the ‘Spring Booster.’
Current vaccines offer substantial protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Surveillance data from UKHSA indicates that individuals who received a vaccine during last spring’s program were approximately 50% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 starting from 2 weeks post-vaccination compared to those who remained unvaccinated.
As per World Health Organization data, the COVID-19 vaccine program has potentially saved 400,000 lives in England up to March 2023.
Are you eligible for the COVID-19 spring booster this year?
While you may have received a COVID-19 vaccine in previous ‘Spring Booster’ campaigns or during the winter, the eligibility criteria for this year’s spring vaccine have been slightly adjusted:
Adults aged 75 years and older. Residents of care homes for older adults. Individuals aged 6 months and above with a weakened immune system.
The criteria remain similar to previous booster campaigns, with the inclusion of individuals aged 6 months and older with weakened immune systems this year.
The eligibility criteria are consistent across all four nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
Understanding the age-based criteria
Individuals aged 75 and above are eligible for the spring booster. If you are 74 but will turn 75 by June 30, 2024, you do not need to wait until your birthday to receive the vaccine.
What about care home residents and staff?
Residents of care homes for older adults are also eligible. However, care home staff and carers are not eligible as the spring vaccine aims to protect those most vulnerable to severe disease.
Do I qualify if I have a weakened immune system?
Determining eligibility for individuals with a weakened immune system can be complex. The criteria are outlined in Chapter 14a of the Green Book published by UKHSA for public health professionals. It includes individuals such as transplant patients, those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and others with immune system disorders. Checking eligibility online at nhs.uk/get-vaccine is recommended.
How to get the spring COVID-19 vaccine?
Eligible individuals are encouraged to come forward for vaccination rather than wait for NHS contact. Booking opens online at nhs.uk/get-vaccine from April 15, 2024. Those unable to book online can call 119 for assistance.
While the usual timeframe for the spring vaccine is around 6 months after the last dose, it can be administered as soon as 3 months after the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose. Most individuals do not require additional vaccinations, but individuals with severely weakened immune systems may need further doses as advised by their doctor.
It’s crucial for all eligible individuals to take up the spring vaccine offer before the program ends on June 30, 2024.
