For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening. COVID-19 vaccines offered by the NHS provide protection against the virus and help reduce the risk of serious illness.
Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time and the virus can change so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.
Can I get the vaccine?
In line with expert advice, this spring the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including
- those aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024)
- residents of care homes for older adults
- those with a severely weakened immune system.
Residents of Care Homes and Housebound Residents
Vaccinations will begin on 20th April for residents in care homes for older adults and eligible housebound people in Benfleet.
The vaccinations locally are being provided by the home visiting team from The Puzey Family Practice in Rochford on behalf of all practices in Benfleet. If you are known to be housebound, you will be contacted directly to arrange a visit. If you have only recently become housebound or are housebound but new to the area, please contact your registered practice to ensure you are included on the list of those to be visited.
Getting vaccinated
All other eligible people will be able to book their appointment from 15 April, to take place from 22nd April. Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.
The NHS will be inviting those eligible, but you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine.
Booking a spring COVID-19 vaccine is simple and easy if you are eligible
- Download the NHS App and make an appointment
- Visit www.nhs.uk/get-vaccine
- Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)
Many local pharmacies also offer convenient walk-in options – to find out what is available visit www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in
If you or your child are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this spring, make sure you come forward for this extra protection.
Find out the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine Download the UKHSA Spring Vaccination Information Leaflet