Residents urged to get a covid spring booster before the summer holidays

Vulnerable residents are being urged to take up the offer of a spring booster vaccine to protect them against Covid-19 this summer. The cabinet has announced that a booster dose will again be available for people aged 75 and older, people in care homes and people with a weakened immune system.

The booster program will start at the beginning of April, with the most vulnerable being invited first.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization says hospital numbers for Covid-19 last fall show that the risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus was noticeably higher among people over 75.

Paul Northcott, cabinet member for public health and integrated care at Staffordshire County Council, said it was important that residents who are eligible for a booster get a cure as soon as possible before the summer holidays.

He said: “The spring booster provides an extra layer of protection to our most vulnerable residents to supplement their immunity and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill this summer. Covid-19 is still circulating and we have seen an increase in the elderly recently hospitalization in England. Vaccination remains the best protection against the virus, and I encourage anyone who qualifies to come forward as soon as the booster program begins.”

It is expected that people with a higher risk of Covid will be offered a booster shot in the autumn. For more information on the springbooster covid vaccine and how to book, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-spring-booster-resources/a-guide-to-the- covid-19-spring-booster-2023

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