The NHS National Booking System for spring Covid-19 vaccination bookings opened this week, with eligible people across London able to book appointments now, with the first appointments starting on Monday, 22nd April.

People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including over 800,000 London residents who are aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024), have a weakened immune system or live in an older adult care home.

Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024.

Dr Oge Ilozue a GP at Brunswick Park Medical Practice and a clinical advisor on vaccinations to NHS London said:

“With people starting to finally feel the spring and see some sunshine, it’d be easy to forget that, despite the winter being behind us, many London residents remain vulnerable to Covid-19.

“For older people and those with a weakened immune system Covid-19 can still be very dangerous. And over-time and due to exposure, immunity to Covid-19 can fade, so getting a regular top up vaccine is essential to ensure continued safety.

“Anyone eligible can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free, with parents or carers able to book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.”

The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible, but they do not have to wait for the invite to book.

Monday 15 April also saw the start of visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients. For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP.

Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from 6 months instead of 5 years.

Following JCVI advice, this spring’s eligible cohorts include:

Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
Residents in care homes for older adults
Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is very convenient, with over 600 sites across London offering vaccination, including community pharmacies, GPs, hospitals and vaccination centres. This includes walk-in options, with a list of available walk-in sites online at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in.

Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus, and protects against different variants.

UKHSA surveillance data on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.

Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses should get vaccinated during this year’s spring offer, to help protect against serious illness.

Riyadul Karim, Co-Chair of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership and Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Vaccine Equity, Covid-19 and Influenza Immunisation Programmes, NHS England, London Region, said:

“It’s vital that eligible people from all of London’s communities get the protection they need this Spring. These vaccines do not contain any animal products. 

“I’d urge those aged 75 or over or with weakened immune systems to book their boosters now. This can be done quickly and easily through the at a local walk-in service, by using the NHS App, booking online or calling 119 free of charge and speaking to a translator.

“Don’t forget to remind family members too so they avoid becoming seriously ill this Spring.”