66,000 People Receive Their Spring Covid Vaccination In First 10 Days Of Campaign

More than 66,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have received their Spring COVID-19 vaccination in the first 10 days of the campaign.

The campaign launched on 1 April with people aged 75 and over, care home residents and those with a weakened immune system all eligible to receive their vaccine.

A weakened immune system includes:

• those living with HIV

• organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients 

• those undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy 

• those with genetic disorders that affect the immune system

• those taking medication which will affect their immune system

A further 8,000 appointments have been booked through the National Booking System for eligible individuals to get vaccinated before 4 May with thousands more booking directly through their GP practice.

This runs alongside the continued effort of teams to visit older adult care homes and ensure they are also vaccinated.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said:

“Since the start of the spring programme earlier this month, more than 66,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have already received their spring COVID-19 vaccine, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

We have plenty of appointments available over the next few weeks and it has been fantastic to see such a great response from day one.

“For those who are eligible for the spring vaccine, there are a number of ways to get your vaccination.

Many people will be invited directly via their GP practice. But if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait to be invited and can book via the National Booking System, by calling 119, or via the NHS App, until 16 June.

“While for many it may feel like COVID is a thing of the past, we know that it continues to circulate, and we need to do what we can to keep those most at-risk of serious illness safe.

"Getting this spring dose helps to increase your level of protection and reduces your risk of hospitalisation if you catch the virus, so I would strongly urge everyone eligible to get booked in as soon as you can.”

For the spring campaign, the vaccination will be offered to over 243,000 eligible people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and aims to help protect both older people, and those living with a weaker immune system from serious illness should they catch the COVID-19 virus.

If you’re not sure if you have a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help by calling 0300 561 0018.