SPRING booster vaccines will begin across the North West this week as the programme moves to its next phase.

In line with new advice, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme will now invite more than half a million eligible people in the region for their spring dose, six months after they had their first booster jab.

Eligible groups include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed.

From today (Monday 21 March), local NHS teams will also hold vaccine clinics in care homes, with more visits planned in the coming weeks.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement and Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in the North West, said: “The NHS is continuing to protect the most vulnerable from the virus as the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme begins today.

“With Covid-19 still circulating, I’d like to encourage everyone eligible to come forward and make sure your protection is topped up as we approach the summer months.

“You don’t need to contact the NHS, you will be invited to book an appointment when eligible.”

More than 555,000 people aged 75 and over are currently eligible for the spring booster dose in the North West, including 27,000 residents in care homes.

Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 getting offered the Pfizer vaccine.