Spring booster vaccinations to start this week

Spring booster vaccines will begin in Blackburn with Darwen and across Lancashire and South Cumbria this week as the vaccination programme moves to the next phase.

In line with new advice set out by the JCVI, the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will now invite eligible people in the borough to come forward for their fourth dose, around six months after they had their booster jab.

People will be able to book their appointment in a number of ways – either through the national booking service, by calling 119 or walking in at any vaccine site.

Anyone who is unable to use any of these usual options will be able to book a vaccine at home by calling 0300 790 6856 (between 10 am to 8 pm daily).

Eligible groups for spring boosters include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 over.

Local NHS teams will also hold vaccine clinics in care homes, with more visits planned in the coming weeks.

Research by UKHSA estimates since mid-December some 157,000 hospitalisations have been prevented by booster doses.

Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen’s Director of Public Health, said:

As all legal restrictions are lifted and people with Covid are no longer required to stay at home, although still advised, there’s a much higher risk of infection to us all, particularly older and more vulnerable people. A fourth dose of the vaccine will ensure that this group has as much protection as possible.

If you are offered the spring booster dose to top-up your immunity, please take it – and encourage others around you to take it too.”

Jane Scattergood, lead for the Covid 19 vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria said:

The NHS is continuing to protect the most vulnerable from the virus as the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme began today.

With Covid-19 still circulating, I’d like to encourage everyone eligible to come forward and make sure your protection is topped up. Anyone over 75 can come forward, around six months since their last vaccination, and book online, walk-in to one of our vaccination centres or call us to request vaccine at home. We continue to welcome people of any age who have never had a vaccine or who still need their second dose.”

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