A SPRING booster vaccine against Covid-19 is to be offered to residents across the West Midlands at most risk of serious illness from the disease.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed those over 75, in care homes or over five and immunosuppressed will be eligible.
It will be offered six months after a person’s previous dose and NHS England will confirm operational details for the programme in due course.
Dr James Chipwete, health protection consultant leading on respiratory infections for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “We’ve seen a slight increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 in the last week across the West Midlands region, with most in people aged over 65.
“However, no matter what age you are, if you are clinically more vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19, it’s really important that you take up the spring booster when it’s offered to you.
“People who are at increased risk of complications from infection could become extremely unwell if they catch Covid-19, and even end up hospitalised.
“So, to protect yourself and support our NHS, it’s vital you get your booster when invited.”
Four different vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna,Sanofi/GSK and Novavax could be used.
Prof Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI’s Covid-19 committee, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 and the spring booster programme provides an opportunity for those who are at highest risk of severe illness to keep their immunity topped up.
“This year’s spring programme will bridge the gap to the planned booster programme in the autumn, enabling those who are most vulnerable to be well protected throughout the summer.”
