In the wake of an encouraging uptake so far of the covid-19 spring vaccination amongst Lincolnshire people aged 75 or over, there is a renewed emphasis on encouraging people aged 5 or over with a weakened immune system to come forwards for their vaccination.
In addition, parents and guardians of children aged 5-11 and 12-15 are being reminded that the county’s vaccination teams continue to offer bookable appointments for these age groups at vaccination centres in Lincoln and Wainfleet, including during half-term week.
Half-term week will also see a number of pop-up vaccination sessions being held, some of which will – in addition to spring vaccinations for those aged 75 or over – be offering primary 1st and 2nd doses for 5-17 year-olds, and spring vaccinations for people aged 5 or over with a weakened immune system.
Appointments can be booked at these pop-ups by calling 01522 301940 weekdays between 10am and 2pm. More information on our Grab a Jab page.
As of 23rd May, over 63,000 spring vaccinations have been given since the spring vaccination programme started on 17th April (3rd April in local care homes registered for older adults), with the bulk – over 55,000 – being to people aged 75 or over.
“We’re delighted with progress to-date and overall we’re on track to vaccinate everyone eligible by 30th June,” comments Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
However, of the three groups eligible for the spring vaccination, people with a weakened immune system represent the lowest uptake so far.
“There’s just over 18,000 people in the county who have a weakened immune system and who are therefore eligible for a spring booster – so far around 4,500 of these people have come forwards for their vaccination,” adds Julie.
People with a weakened immune system include those who had or have a blood cancer, an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant, HIV infection, a genetic disorder, certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, or a long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, although this list is not exhaustive.
“People with a weakened immune system tend not to create such a strong response to vaccines, plus any response may not be quite so sustained. Add to this the fact that we know, as with other vaccines, protection from the covid-19 vaccine wains over time and it becomes clear why it’s particularly important for this group to come forwards and get vaccinated,” explains Julie.
There has occasionally been some confusion as to who is considered eligible under the banner of ‘people with a weakened immune system’.
“We have seen a number of people come in who are considered clinically vulnerable because they have a long-term medical condition like asthma or diabetes, but this does not make you eligible for a spring vaccine unless you also have a weakened immune system and/or are aged 75 or over,” clarifies Julie.
There is further information about what constitutes having a weakened immune system and therefore makes you eligible for a spring vaccination, as well as a list of medical conditions that would class you as being at increased risk from covid-19 but not eligible for a spring vaccination.
“If you do have a weakened immune system, please come and have your spring vaccination before 30th June. You can book online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119, or you can wait to be contacted by your GP practice.”
“With half-term next week we want to remind parents and guardians that we’re running a number of vaccination sessions for 5-11 and 12-15 year-olds, including at some of our pop-up vaccination sessions. You can find details on our Grab a Jab page,” says Julie.
Published 25/05/2023