Spring Covid-19 vaccinations begin for the most vulnerable people in Leicestershire

Housebound patients and those living in care homes will be amongst the first to receive their top-ups.

This week, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) has begun the next phase of its Covid-19 vaccination programme to protect those whose immunity is most likely to have already reduced since their autumn vaccine.

The eligible cohorts this spring include residents in care homes for older people, those aged 75 and over and immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months and over.

Housebound patients and those living in care homes will be amongst the first to receive their top-ups with teams starting to administer vaccines from Monday 15 April 2024.

They will continue to vaccinate in care homes across LLR throughout May and June.

Dr Fahreen Dhanji, GP, and clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “It’s really important that anyone who is eligible gets vaccinated, to top-up their protection against Covid-19 this spring. The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time so it’s important to boost your protection regularly.

“Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against Covid-19, and it really does help to protect the most vulnerable from becoming seriously unwell. Older people and those with weakened immune systems are affected more by Covid-19 and it’s why we’re encouraging them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you are eligible visit our website or drop in to one of our mobile vaccination clinics and speak to our vaccination team.”

All eligible people will be invited for a vaccination by the NHS.