People most at risk to the negative effects of coronavirus are being offered a further spring booster vaccine dose to help protect them from COVID-19.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has set out advice that the following groups should be offered a vaccination over the coming weeks:
- everyone aged 75 years and over on 30 June 2024 (i.e. born on or before 30 June 1949);
- residents in care homes for older adults; and
- people aged 6 months and over (by 31 March 2024) who have a weakened immune system.
The local programme begins on 2 April, with NHS Ayrshire & Arran vaccinators visiting those living in local care homes, as well as vaccinating those who are housebound in their own homes. Teams will be hosting our mass vaccination clinics for other eligible patients in locations around Ayrshire from 15 April onwards. Please look out for appointment details arriving by post or email/text (if you have registered for a digital preference) and remember to follow the instructions if you are unable to attend for any reason.
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.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“COVID-19 is more serious in older adults and in people with certain health conditions. If you are eligible for a spring booster we recommend you come forward when invited as your protection may have faded since your last dose.
“Over the next couple of weeks our teams will be visiting care homes around Ayrshire to provide vaccinations to residents. Other eligible people will receive details for an appointment at a local clinic, or if the person is housebound, they should expect a phone call from our mass vaccination team to make arrangements for a home visit.
“Please look out for your letter, text or email and if you are unable to attend your allocated appointment please rearrange by following the instructions given. We look forward to welcoming people back into our Ayrshire vaccination clinics for the spring vaccination programme from 15 April onwards. The COVID-19 vaccination programme is now more targeted to those who are most at risk, so please take the opportunity to top up your protection if eligible.”