The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed its advice for a 2023 spring coronavirus booster programme. Vaccination is aimed at protecting those individuals who are at highest risk of severe illness. The committee has advised that a spring booster dose should be offered around 6 months after their previous dose to:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
After careful consideration, the Westgate Practice is not able to participate in this year’s spring booster programme. We understand that this may be disappointing for some of our patients. The programme requires a large number of clinical and administrative staff which we currently do not have available to release for vaccinations.
Patients who receive a text message or letter from the NHS to book their spring booster, are advised to ring 119 or book via the National Booking Service online from Wednesday 5th April with vaccinations available from Monday 17th April. Please do not contact the surgery.
Staffordshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has informed us that two Lichfield based pharmacies will be offering the spring booster vaccination. They are Touchwood Pharmacy at Boley Park and Shenstone Pharmacy. Care home residents and eligible housebound patients will be contacted by either Tamworth Pharmacy or Springpharm Pharmacy in due course.
For further information about the Covid-19 Spring Booster 2023 Programme, please visit the NHS website.
Thank you
The Westgate Practice