Spring Covid-19 vaccination campaign launches to protect local residents

From tomorrow, Tuesday 1 April 2025, the free spring Covid-19 programme will begin vaccinating all eligible people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) to help prevent the spread of the virus amongst the most vulnerable in our communities.

Health leaders in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) are urging everyone that is eligible for this year’s spring Covid-19 vaccine to protect themselves from the effects of the virus. For those that are clinically vulnerable the spring vaccine offers additional protection that could help to prevent them from becoming seriously unwell or requiring hospital treatment.

Surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year’s spring
Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were more than 45% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.

Getting vaccinated is now quicker and more convenient than ever, people can book a vaccination appointment via the national booking service (NBS). Alternatively, patients can get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic, their GP practice, participating community pharmacy or at a specialist clinic at Leicester’s hospitals.

Some GP practices in LLR may not be providing the spring Covid-19 vaccine at their practice. If you are eligible and would like to get vaccinated, you do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic. For full details of how and where to get vaccinated in LLR and full eligibility information, visit our dedicated online vaccination hub: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/how-to-get-your-vaccine/.

The eligible cohorts for the spring Covid-19 vaccination programme include:

• People aged 75 years and over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June 2025)
• older adult care home residents,
• anyone aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.

Dr Virginia Ashman, clinical lead for the immunisation programme in LLR said: “We can’t stress enough vaccinations really do save lives. That’s why it’s so important to get vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine if you’re in an eligible group. Vaccines such as the Covid-19 vaccine are routinely updated to offer protection against the latest variant of the virus which is of benefit for clinically vulnerable people. Even if you have previously been vaccinated, the immunity you have built up reduces over time and may not be as effective against currently circulating variants of the virus.

“Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and any other routine NHS recommended vaccine, if you’re in an eligible cohort or when invited, will provide the best possible protection against this and many other viruses and diseases.”

The Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) will also be providing specialist vaccination clinics for all immunosuppressed people.  To book an appointment for the LRI clinics call the central booking team on 0116 497 5700 and selecting option 1. Those aged 75 and over can book their appointments at an LRI clinic by using the National Booking Service or by calling 119.  

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine can check with their GP practice or by visiting our online vaccination hub. There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS App provides details of all your previous Covid-19 vaccines.

Dr Ashman concludes: “Older people, or those with a weakened immune system are affected more by Covid-19 and that’s why we’re encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you can get vaccinated visit our website or drop in to one of our walk-in vaccination clinics and speak to our vaccination team.”

To find out more about this year’s spring / summer vaccination programme and to learn about all vaccinations available as part of our local offer, please visit the LLR ICB online vaccination hub: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations/.