COVID-19 vaccination campaign resumes until 30th June 2023

This week, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has begun the next phase of its Covid-19 vaccination programme to protect the most vulnerable with a further booster vaccination. This spring campaign also provides a last opportunity for anyone who has not previously had their first and second doses of the vaccine to do so.

Those living in care homes will be prioritised and will begin to receive their vaccinations this week. People aged 75 and over and those with a weakened immune system will be able to start receiving their vaccinations from 17^th April.

People will be invited for a vaccination by their GP practice. They will also receive an invitation to book using the National Booking service, either by letter, text message or the NHS App. The National Booking Service has opened for people to book from today (Wednesday 5^th April 2023), for appointments from 17^th April onwards.

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland the majority of vaccinations this spring will be provided by GP practices and pharmacies. A mobile vaccination service will also be visiting local communities so people can get their vaccination without making an appointment. Clinics will also be operating at Highcross Shopping Centre and Loughborough Hospital, and specialist clinics will be arranged for people will a learning disability.

Dr Virginia Ashman, a GP and a clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “It’s really important that anyone who is eligible comes forward when invited, to top up their protection against Covid-19. The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time so it’s important to boost your protection regularly”.

This latest vaccination campaign will close on 30th June, after which time only those at increased risk from the virus will receive vaccinations as part of seasonal campaigns, the next of which will be in the Autumn. 

Anyone aged 5 and over who is not at increased risk and has not received either a first or second dose of the vaccine is encouraged to book as soon as possible during this spring campaign, as they will no longer be able to receive a vaccine after 30^th June. They do not need to wait to be invited.

Dr Ashman continues: “As well as boosting those who are very vulnerable to Covid-19 we also particularly want to see anyone who was offered Covid vaccination previously but has never had a vaccination or has missed one of their initial doses. For healthy individuals this will be the last opportunity to get those primary doses. More than 860,000 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have already done so and have reduced their risk of catching, spreading or getting seriously ill from Covid-19.”

Appointments can be booked for booster and primary vaccinations using the National Booking Service from 5^th April.

If you prefer not to book an appointment and prefer to walk-in, you will be able to find details of local clinics operating from 17^th April using the walk-in site finder.