Cheshire residents urged to get life-saving COVID-19 jab this spring

The NHS in Cheshire is urging those who are at highest risk from the virus to come forward for their spring COVID-19 vaccination, as the national appointment system opens for bookings.

The national NHS booking system opened on Tuesday 25 March for eligible people to book an appointment for their spring COVID-19 vaccination from Tuesday 1st April. 

Those being offered this year’s spring COVID-19 vaccine include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system who are at a greater risk from severe illness. 

The COVID-19 virus continues to circulate and can be highly dangerous – particularly for those at highest risk, with NHS data showing that hospitals see an average of over 1,000 people with COVID-19 each day 

The COVID-19 vaccine provides vital protection against different strains of the virus and helps reduce your risk of catching and spreading it, as well as becoming seriously ill or hospitalised. 

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that those who received a COVID-19 vaccine last spring were more than 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one. 

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: 

“The NHS is once again offering the COVID-19 vaccine this spring to protect those that are at the highest risk of getting seriously ill if they catch the virus. 

“Because viruses change and protection fades over time, it’s important to top up your protection against COVID-19 if you’re eligible – even if you had your vaccine the previous time it was offered in autumn last year. 

“You don’t need to wait until you’re invited to book an appointment. So if you’re eligible, please come forward as soon as possible to boost your protection against COVID-19 over the spring and summer months.” 

To book an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccination, you can visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 today. 

From 1st April, you will also be able to find your nearest walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic using the NHS walk-in finder. 

The Living Well Service, operated on a drop-in basis by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, provides routine UK immunisations – including COVID-19 vaccinations – as well as health checks and mental wellbeing support.

To find out when the Living Well Service is near you, visit: 

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website

For more information on the spring COVID-19 vaccination, including to check if you’re eligible, visit: 

NHS website