Up to five million now eligible to book Covid spring booster jabs

Up to five million people are now eligible for the spring booster jab, as the NHS launched on Monday the latest phase of its Covid vaccination campaign.

Recent research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found the NHS booster jab helped prevent 157,000 hospitalisations since mid-December. Despite this, more than 100,000 people have required hospitalisation since the start of the omicron wave.

The national booking service telephone line has recruited extra call handlers in the belief that the booster jab will attract a high uptake. NHS teams will also be contacting their local care homes to arrange the vaccine rollout. Meanwhile, hundreds of pharmacies and vaccine centres at medical centres will help to deliver the vaccinations.

The move comes after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended the spring top-up as a precautionary measure.

Nikki Kanani, the deputy leader of the NHS Covid vaccination programme, said: “Sadly, we are still seeing large numbers of people seriously unwell in hospital with Covid so it remains vital that those most at risk come forward when they are invited to do so.

“The response so far from the public to the largest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history has been incredible, with more than nine in 10 people aged 75 and over getting their initial booster. The NHS Covid vaccination programme is once again ready to get people protected, so when you are invited please do come forward for your spring dose.”

Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, said: “Spring boosters will help top up the immunity of the elderly and the most vulnerable to ensure they are protected and will help us continue to live with this virus.

“Thanks to the NHS for rising to the challenge yet again to get people boosted. Please come forward as soon as you are contacted.”

Health chiefs are expecting high uptake of spring boosters among people aged 75 and over after 4.5 million of them had their top-up jab over autumn and winter.

Those aged over 75 and the immunosuppressed over 12 will be invited to book their vaccine. The NHS will this week be contacting 600,000 people to kick-start the programme.

Residents in care homes for the elderly will also be eligible to book their booster jab - with all extra doses being administered around six months after the last dose of the vaccine.

Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 offered the Pfizer vaccine.

The free booking telephone number is 119 and lines are now open from 8am to 8pm. The service can also be contacted online at nhs.uk/covidvaccine.

This article is kept updated with the latest advice and information.