With just days to go before the launch of the covid-19 spring booster, people in Lincolnshire are being encouraged to take advantage of good availability of pre-bookable vaccination appointments.
From Monday 17th April, people aged 75 and over, as well as individuals aged five years and over who have a weakened immune system, will be able to visit one of the county’s vaccination centres to have their spring booster.
“We’re getting ready to welcome eligible people for their spring booster at our vaccination centres in Lincoln and Wainfleet, as are our GP and community pharmacy colleagues across the county, as part of this latest phase of the covid-19 vaccination programme,” comments Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
“We have good availability for pre-bookable appointments at our vaccination centres and would urge people to book as soon as they can either online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119, bearing in mind the spring booster will only be available until 30th June.”
Alternatively people can wait to be contacted by their GP practice, who will be working to the same timescale of 30th June.
As well as offering the spring booster to people aged 75 and over, the vaccination teams are particularly keen to remind people that anyone aged five years old and over who has a weakened immune system can also have a spring booster.
“The spring booster is an important part of protecting yourself if you are at higher risk from severe covid-19, since booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from getting seriously ill and/or being hospitalised if you catch covid-19.
“This is why it is particularly important for people who have a weakened immune system to come forwards for a spring booster,” explains Julie.
People who have a weakened immune system can include those who had or have*:
- A blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
- An organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
- HIV infection at all stages
- A genetic disorder affecting the immune system
- A treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosproin or mycophenolate (depending on your dosage)
- A long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis
*The above list is a summary and does not cover everything. There are other health conditions and treatments that may mean you have a weakened immune system. If you’re unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or your specialist for advice.
Next week’s launch of the spring booster also sees the opening of a new vaccination centre at the Wainfleet Medical Practice, which will operate alongside the existing centre at the Weighing Rooms (Grandstand) in Lincoln.
“I know the team are really excited about opening up in Wainfleet. Having a new site will help not only with the rollout of the spring boosters, but also with the ongoing 1st and 2nd primary doses of the covid-19 vaccination for anyone aged five years and over.
“If you’ve not had your 1st primary dose yet, please come and see us by 5th May – this way there will be time to give you your 2nd primary dose before the vaccination campaign comes to an end on 30th June,” says Julie.
Published 14/04/2023