Residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria will be able to book their spring COVID-19 booster this week.

The NHS has kicked off the next phase of its vaccination programme with a spring campaign to protect the most vulnerable, starting in care homes.

Those living in care homes are being prioritised and have begun to receive vaccinations, and others who are eligible – including over 75s and those with a weakened immune system – will be able to book in on the National Booking Service or NHS App from Wednesday (5 April). The first appointments will be available on the week commencing Monday 17 April.

Jane Scattergood, senior responsible officer for the Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “Covid-19 is not talked about as much as it once was, but it is still circulating widely, and older people are still most at risk of developing severe illness and being hospitalised.

“If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, we are urging you to come forward as soon as possible to book a COVID vaccine this spring.

“This will be the first time that most people will be sent initial invitations through the NHS App, where you can also book your vaccine. But if you don’t have access to the app, please don’t worry – text messages and letters will also be sent to those who are not actively using it.”

There have now been almost 4.4 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in Lancashire and South Cumbria since the programme began at the end of 2020, helping to ensure that the public have widespread protection.

This latest vaccination, is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation, and around 190,000 patients in Lancashire and South Cumbria will be eligible.

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.

The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June.

COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged 5 on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after that date, following recent advice from the JCVI. After 30 June, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.