NHS reminder to 7.5m people as Covid-19 jab booking system opens

Around 7.5 million people in England are to be asked to book their spring Covid-19 jab.

NHS England said the national booking system for the vaccination campaign opened on Tuesday.

Eligible people will be able to get their jabs between April and mid-June.

People over the age of 75, residents in care homes for older adults and those with weakened immune systems will be eligible for the jab.

Officials said the virus continues to circulate and can be “highly dangerous” to these groups.

“Previous immunity – either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination – can wane over time, so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection – with new evidence showing those who have received a Covid jab are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus in the following two months.

“This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to protect those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus – so if you are aged 75 or over, in a care home for older adults, or if you or your child have a weakened immune system, please do make an appointment for your vaccine as soon as possible.

“We are contacting everyone who is eligible for the jab via text, email, NHS app messages or letters, but you don’t need to wait for an invite to book – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS app or call 119 now to book your appointment.”