COVID-19 Spring booster vaccination

In February it was announced that vulnerable people would once again be offered a spring booster for COVID-19. These are people who are most at risk of getting seriously ill and includes:

• adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
• residents in care homes
• individuals aged 6 months and over with immunosuppression. This includes anyone who has had leukaemia or lymphoma.

COVID-19 can still be dangerous, especially to these people, but the booster vaccine gives you good protection and makes it less likely that you’ll become seriously ill. Last spring those people who had the booster were 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19, compared to those people who didn’t have one.

In England the national booking system is now open for those eligible, with appointments available from next week. If eligible you should receive a text, email, NHS app message or letter inviting you to book, but you don’t have to wait for one. You can either book online via the nhs.uk website, by calling 119, or using the NHS app.  

In Scotland and Wales people will be contacted with information about their appointment, or how to book.

In Northern Ireland the advice is to speak to your GP surgery or community pharmacy about your appointment.

The boosters will be available until the end of June 2024. If you are turning 75 between now and then you do not have to wait for your birthday to book.

Our website includes more information about the COVID-19 boosters including information about the vaccines available.