April 6, 2022 8.00 am This story is over 23 months old

People urged to be patient as thousands book spring COVID booster jab

Thousands have already come forward for their spring booster
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Thousands of eligible people in Lincolnshire aged 75 and over have already come forward for their spring COVID booster.

As the rollout of the spring booster campaign gathers momentum, people in Lincolnshire are being asked to be patient when attending for their COVID vacation, especially if they choose to do so on a walk-in basis at one of various pop-up sessions around.

The spring booster is also available to residents in care homes for older people, as well as those aged 12-years-old and over with a weakened immune system – see more information here.

There is still the option to pre-book an appointment for COVID vaccinations, including the spring booster, which can be done via the National Booking System or by calling 119. In addition, some GP practices are taking part and contacting patients to arrange their jabs.

Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, COVID-19 Vaccination, at NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said: “We have been greatly encouraged by the response, particularly the numbers of people aged 75 and over coming forwards.

“In fact, on occasion we have been surprised by the numbers, especially those attending pop-up clinics that allow people to turn up without first booking an appointment.

“We want to reassure everyone eligible who wants a spring booster that they will absolutely get one, but please remember to be patient with our staff when you attend, especially if you come to one of our pop-up sessions, and bear in mind that sometimes you may have to wait.

“Also, don’t forget that, just as they always have been, the pop-up vaccination sessions are run on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Although it doesn’t often happen, this can mean we may occasionally have to turn people away due to the extreme demand on our resources.”

Julie added: “If you are aged 75 years old and over the best way to guarantee your spring booster is to book an appointment, whether that’s via your GP practice – who will contact you to arrange your vaccination if they are offering this – or alternatively by booking online via the National Booking System or by calling 119 (if you are 75 years old and over, or 12 years old and over with a weakened immune system).

“As with the previous boosters, eligibility for a spring booster will be 182 days after your last vaccination and we are offering either Moderna or Pfizer, both of which boost well and have been given to millions of people in the UK.”