Update from Chineham Medical Practice Patient Participation Group.

Published: 05 April 2022

Spring COVID-19 booster programme

Although vaccines are expected to provide good protection against severe COVID-19 disease, protection against mild infection with the Omicron variant seems to decline quickly, even after the booster dose.

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system. Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline more quickly in these people. For this reason, people who and are aged 75 years and over, those in care homes and those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system are being offered the spring booster.

This spring booster is being offered as a precaution to those at extremely high risk, most of whom received their first booster around 6 months ago. If the number of infections increases over the summer, this booster should help to reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

Appointments are available from the National Booking Service for two local centres:

· Festival Place, Basingstoke. RG21 7BA

· Jameson House, Lutyens Close, Basingstoke, RG24 8AG

Please note if you are unwell wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. If you have had confirmed COVID-19 you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating or waiting for a COVID-19 test.

More information about the booster programme is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-spring-booster-resources/a-guide-to-the-spring-booster-for-those-aged-75-years-and-older-residents-in-care-homes