Spring Covid-19 vaccines are being delivered by NHS teams across north east London, with GPs warning the virus “remains dangerous for those most at risk”.
Since the national booking system opened on 25 March, many of those eligible have already booked their booster jab and thousands have received vaccinations, but those in vulnerable groups are being urged to arrange their appointment as soon as possible.
People who need extra protection from Covid-19 this year include those aged 75 and over (including those who turn 75 by 17 June 2025), older adult care home residents, and anyone aged six months and over who is immunosuppressed.
It is really important that immunosuppressed people get vaccinated if they are eligible. This includes people with certain cancers, people who have had transplants, people living with HIV and people on a range of treatments for other conditions. If you think you may be eligible but are unsure, please contact your GP or specialist.
Anyone eligible can book their jabs via the NHS App, nhs.uk website, calling 119 free of charge, or if invited by their GP practice.
Local NHS teams have been working to make it as easy as possible for people to get jabbed close to home. Invites will be sent to those eligible via email, NHS App messages, texts, or letters – but you do not need to wait for an invite to book your appointment.
As well as booked appointments at GP practices and pharmacies, there are hundreds of walk-in appointments available every day across Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. A full list of local locations available on the NHS North East London website.
Latest figures show more than 1,000 Covid-19 patients are in hospital every day on average across England, showing this continues to be a serious illness.
The Covid-19 vaccine provides vital protection against several different variants of the virus, helps reduce the risk of catching and spreading it, and helps avoid hospitalisation.
Dr Muhammad Naqvi, a local GP and clinical lead for vaccinations at NHS North East London, said: “It’s important we remember Covid-19 is just not just a winter illness and even in spring and summer it remains dangerous for those most at risk.
“It’s good to see that some of those eligible have already booked in to get their jabs and I encourage others to come forward and get booked in as soon as possible – protection from the Covid-19 vaccination reduces over time so just because you may have had a jab before, it is important to get a top-up if you are in one of the most at-risk groups.”
“With vaccinations now available across north east London, you don’t need to wait for your invite to arrange your appointment – you can book via the NHS website, the NHS App or call 119, and you can also check the calendar on our website to find a walk-in event near you. Getting vaccinated is now quicker and more convenient than ever.”
It’s really important that immunosuppressed people get vaccinated if they are eligible. This includes people with certain cancers, people who have had transplants, people living with HIV and people on a range of treatments for other conditions. If you think you may be eligible but are unsure please contact your GP or specialist.
Surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that people who received a vaccine were more than 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
The NHS is also encouraging those aged 75 to 79 (and those who have turned 80 since 1 September 2024) and pregnant women from 28 weeks to get the RSV vaccine by booking an appointment with their GP practice or speaking to their maternity services.
For more information – including details of local walk-in events – visit www.northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/health-advice/vaccinations. You can also go online and search “NHS North East London vaccinations”.
