Tejal Somvanshi
The NHS has kicked off its spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with more than 563,000 appointments already booked in the first week since the national booking system opened on March 25.
The campaign targets those most vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness, including people aged 75 and over, care home residents, and individuals with weakened immune systems aged six months and over. Those turning 75 by June 17, 2025, are also eligible.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s National Medical Director, stressed that COVID-19 remains dangerous year-round: “It is important we remember COVID-19 is not just a winter illness and even in spring and summer it remains dangerous for those most at risk.”
Protection Wanes Over Time
Healthcare officials emphasize that immunity from previous vaccinations decreases over time, making these boosters essential for ongoing protection. Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that those who received last year’s spring vaccine were more than 40% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 for up to two months after vaccination.
Dr. Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted the significant protection offered: “Last year’s spring COVID program reduced the risk of getting severely ill and being hospitalized by over 40% in those at greatest risk – for up to 9 weeks after vaccination.”
The need for continued vigilance is underscored by current hospitalization rates, with more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients in hospital on average every day, according to figures from the week ending March 23.
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Easy Access to Vaccines
The NHS has made booking simple through multiple channels. Eligible individuals can secure appointments via:
- The NHS App
- The NHS website
- Calling 119 (free of charge)
- Responding to GP practice invitations
Around 7.5 million people will receive invitations via email, NHS App messages, texts, or letters. However, officials confirm there’s no need to wait for an invitation to book.
For those preferring more flexibility, thousands of walk-in appointments are available daily at GP practices and pharmacies, with locations listed on the NHS walk-in finder.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton emphasized the convenience: “Getting vaccinated is now quicker and more convenient than ever, with thousands of sites open across the country, including local pharmacies and GP practices.”
The NHS is also encouraging eligible individuals aged 75-79 (and those who turned 80 since September 1, 2024) and pregnant women from 28 weeks to get the RSV vaccine through their GP practice or maternity services.
As the vaccination program continues, healthcare officials remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable from COVID-19’s serious effects throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
The spring COVID-19 vaccine is available to people aged 75 and over (including those turning 75 by June 17, 2025), older adult care home residents, and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and over. These groups have been identified as most vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness.
You can book your appointment through multiple convenient channels: the NHS App, NHS website (nhs.uk), by calling 119 for free, or through your GP practice if invited. You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book. Walk-in appointments are also available at many locations, which you can find using the NHS walk-in finder online.
Protection from COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time. Data shows those who received last year’s spring vaccine were 40% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 for up to two months after vaccination. With over 1,000 COVID patients in hospitals daily, the virus remains dangerous year-round, especially for vulnerable groups. The spring booster helps maintain protection when immunity from previous doses wanes.
No, you don’t need to wait for an invitation if you’re in an eligible group. While around 7.5 million people will receive invitations through email, NHS App messages, texts, or letters, the NHS encourages eligible individuals to book as soon as possible without waiting. You can check your eligibility and book directly through the NHS App, website, or by calling 119.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, last year’s spring COVID-19 vaccination program reduced the risk of severe illness and hospitalization by over 40% in vulnerable groups for up to 9 weeks after vaccination. The vaccines provide vital protection against several different variants and help reduce the risk of catching, spreading, and becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
Yes, the NHS is also encouraging those aged 75-79 (and those who have turned 80 since September 1, 2024) and pregnant women from 28 weeks to get the RSV vaccine. You can book an RSV vaccine appointment with your GP practice or speak to your maternity services if you’re pregnant. RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations.
