THE NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is encouraging people to come forward for their spring booster ahead of the seasonal campaign ending this month.

The booster is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation.

There are hundreds of appointments available across Cheshire and Merseyside over the remaining three weeks, at GP and pharmacy sites, making it easier than ever to get protected.

Make a booking by using the NHS App or visiting nhs.uk/CovidVaccination. If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus, run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside a broad range of physical health checks and mental wellbeing support.

The Living Well bus will be at the following locations in Wirral:

  • Saturday 17 June, 10.30am - 4pm  - Rock Ferry Library One Stop Shop, 259 Old Chester Road, Rock Ferry, CH42 3TD
  • Sunday 25 June, 10.30am - 4pm  - Cherry Tree Centre car park 6-8 Cherry Square, Liscard, Wallasey, CH44 5XU
  • Friday 30 June, 10.30am - 4pm  - Birkenhead Town Centre, Between Asda and Primark, Grange Road, CH41 6EA

Since the latest phase of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme started in April, more than 174,000 spring doses have already been given in the region, part of the 3.6 million nationally.

Friday, June 30 is also the last chance for those yet to have their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose to come forward. After this, the NHS is moving to a targeted seasonal offer for those at increased risk.

The spring campaign began on April 3 in care homes for older adults, and roving NHS teams have now visited 98% of care homes in Cheshire and Merseyside, delivering protection against becoming seriously ill with the virus to more than 13,000 residents.

Others eligible for a spring dose, including those 75 and over and people aged five and over with weakened immune systems, have been vaccinated since 17 April.

'Please make the most of the weeks ahead'

Jayne Wood, Director of Vaccine and Testing Operations, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "If you’re eligible for a spring COVID-19 vaccination or have not yet taken up the offer of a first or second dose, please make the most of the weeks ahead by coming forward to boost your protection.

"You can get vaccinated at one of the many sites across the region, including on Living Well Bus. Booking an appointment has never been easier. As well as the National Booking Service, you can also book an appointment on the NHS App, or find your nearest and most convenient walk in site."

Those invited should make sure their appointment takes place at least 91 days 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.