Spring booster jabs for the over 75s and immunosuppressed in West Sussex now available

People aged 75 and over, those aged over 12 who are immunosuppressed, and residents in care homes for older adults are able to receive an additional COVID-19 booster this spring.

The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has started inviting eligible people to come forward for their life-saving spring booster jabs and thousands across Sussex have now received this further additional protection. 

You will be offered a spring booster if you: 

• are aged 75 and over 
• live in a care home for older people 
• are aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system 
•  

This is different to the eligible groups for the first booster over winter, following guidance from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 

The JCVI has advised a spring jab should be offered to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 as a precautionary measure around six months on from their previous dose. 

It can be booked and received at any point from three months after your winter booster, but a six month interval gives longer protection through the summer. 

Appointments can be booked quickly and conveniently on the NHS website and people that can’t go online can book by phoning 119. Local NHS teams are also offering walk in appointments and people can check where their nearest walk-in service is on the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website. 

 spokesperson for the Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Programme said: 

‘Vaccines remain a vital line of defence against COVID-19, and with hundreds of thousands of Spring booster appointments available over the coming weeks, it’s never been easier to come forward. 

‘COVID-19 may affect you more seriously if you are in one of these groups. The spring booster is being offered to help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. 

‘If you are in one of the eligible groups for a spring booster, please come forward and arrange your appointment. Make sure you receive this additional protection.’ 

Eligible people can arrange a vaccination appointment at a local venue through the National Booking Service or by calling 119 for free.  

A spokesperson for the Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Programme added: ‘There are thousands of appointments available every week at our local sites through the National Booking Service so you will be able to find a day and time that works for you. 

‘If you can’t see a local service that’s convenient for you, please keep checking over the next few days.  

‘If you may have difficulty getting to an appointment, we continue to offer a free transport service to help people to and from their vaccinations. Contact the team by phone on 01444 275 008 from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.” 

For more information about the vaccination programme parents can visit COVID-19 vaccinations - Sussex Health & Care Partnership (sussexhealthandcare.uk)  

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Guide to how to get your vaccines 

1st and 2nd doses – for everyone aged 5 and above 

• Children and young people who are aged 5 to 17 year olds are offered a 1^st dose, and a 2^nd dose at 12 weeks from 1^st vaccine 
• Children and young people who are at high risk from COVID-19 are offered a 2nd dose at 8 weeks 
• Adults aged 18 and over are offered a 1^st dose, and 2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st vaccine 

Booster vaccines – for everyone aged 16 and above, and young people aged 12 to 15 who are at high risk of COVID-19 

• Eligible people can have a booster dose at 3 months from your 2nd vaccine 
• However, if you are eligible you can now pre-book a booster dose from 2 months (61 days) after their 2nd dose. 

Spring booster – for everyone aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system. 

• People can book at 3 months from their winter booster although are advised to wait 6 months since their previous dose to get maximum protection from a spring booster. 

It is important that everyone comes forward when they are eligible. 

Eligible people can arrange a vaccination appointment at a local venue through the National Booking Service or by calling 119 for free.