NHS Ayrshire & Arran is urging everyone offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring to come forward, get vaccinated and stay protected – because COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared.
Like last year, the spring vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19. This includes older adults in care homes, people aged 75 and over, and those with a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from COVID-19.
If you’re invited for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring, it’s because experts know that your age or health condition mean you’re at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
You get your strongest protection from the vaccine in the first three months after getting it. Over time, this protection gradually reduces so, even if you had your winter vaccination, it’s important to get another dose this spring.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“COVID-19 can be serious, especially for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Protection from vaccination reduces over time, so it’s important those eligible get vaccinated to keep their protection topped up.”
The spring vaccination programme runs from 7 April until 30 June 2026. If you’re eligible, you will be invited by letter, email or text message, depending on your selected communication preference. The first week of the programme in Ayrshire will initially focus on visiting local older peoples’ care homes and beginning visits to housebound individuals, with mass vaccination clinics opening on Monday 13 April.
You can reschedule your appointment using the online portal or via the National Vaccination Helpline (0800 030 8013). Find more information on the spring programme at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
When community clinics begin on Monday 13 April, patients attending may also be offered a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination, if they are eligible and have not yet received this. For more information on RSV vaccines for older adults visit: RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform
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Notes to editors:
- More information about the spring vaccination programme, including eligibility is available at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
- All bookings and rearrangements are made through the online booking portal
- Those who cannot access the portal can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book or rearrange appointments. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
- Housebound patients who are either 75 years and over or who have a weakened immune system will be contacted by telephone by the mass vaccination service to arrange their appointment and home visit.
- Eligible patients who are resident on the Isle of Arran are being invited to mass vaccination clinics, if a resident misses their appointment for whatever reason they can re-book an appointment at a future clinic by telephoning 0800 030 8013 or booking on the national portal.