THE NHS says coronavirus booster vaccine jabs for millions of people in England will begin to be offered this week.

The booster will be made available to around five million people, with 600,000 expected to receive invitations in the first week.

We have put together answers to the commonly asked questions as the roll out begins.

Who is eligible?

The spring booster jab - the fourth coronavirus jab - is being made available to people aged 75 and over, and those who are immunosuppressed.

Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible person aged between 12 and 18 offered the Pfizer vaccine.

People will become eligible if they had their last vaccine six months ago.

Will I be contacted to arrange a booster vaccination?

The NHS will contact people when it is their turn.

As in previous vaccination rollouts, once you have an invitation you will be able to book an appointment through the national booking system either online or by calling NHS 119.

Worcester News:

Local NHS teams will also be contacting care homes to arrange the jab for people who are eligible and have been invited.

Alternatively you can visit a walk in centre to get a spring booster.

Where can I get a jab in Worcestershire this week?

Katie Lowe, from South Worcestershire Primary Care Ltd, reports St Peter’s Baptist Church, Three Counties Showground, Heart of Worcestershire College St Wulstan’s, and the Artrix, Bromsgrove all have got "good capacity" for walk-ins throughout the week - but patients are advised to check before they travel at swhealthcare.org.uk/walk-ins.

Community Vaccinators will also be out and about at sites across the city. These are teams of one to three vaccinators who are there to support residents locally in getting jabbed.

These aren't just for spring boosters either, they include first, second and third jabs if someone needs them.

Sessions this week include:

• Tuesday, March 22 - Dines Green Hub, Gresham Road, WR2 4LE – 2pm to 8pm

• Tuesday, March 2 - Nunnery Wood Sports Centre, WR5 2NL - 2pm to 8pm

• Wednesday, March 23 - Ronkswood Community Centre, WR5 1PJ - 9.30am to 4.30pm

• Wednesday, March 23 - Angel Place, WR1 3QS - 10am to 6pm

• Thursday, March 24 - Warndon Community Centre, WR4 9NX - 9.30am to 4.30pm

• Friday, March 25 - KGV Community Hub, WR4 9TL - 9.30am to 4.30pm

• Friday, March 25 - Corn Market, Worcester, WR1 2DJ - 10am to 6pm

• Saturday, March 26 - Perdiswell Leisure Centre, WR3 8DX - 10am to 4pm

Worcester News:

Why is the spring booster needed?

 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended the spring top-up as a precautionary measure.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Spring boosters will help top up the immunity of the elderly and the most vulnerable to ensure they are protected and will help us continue to live with this virus.

“Thanks to the NHS for rising to the challenge yet again to get people boosted. Please come forward as soon as you are contacted.”

Will rollout be extended to other age groups?

Preparations are continuing for an autumn campaign that could include everyone aged 50 and over.

The NHS England planning document says the health service should prepare for a “minimum scenario” to offer vaccination to groups 1 to 6 as set down by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

This includes care home residents and staff, frontline NHS and social care workers, people deemed at risk due to underlying health conditions plus all those aged 65 and over.

A “maximum scenario” includes everyone aged 50 and over.

The NHS in England is understood to have been told to prepare for a 15-week autumn Covid campaign from September to December.