How to book your NHS spring Covid vaccine to keep yourself protected before the final deadline

Appointments until final deadline of June 30 if you are eligible for spring vaccine to keep you safe from Covid

Don’t be fooled that we are all safe from Covid now that the sun is shining and we are looking forward to the summer.

For over-75s and over-fives with a weakened immune system, it is still important to get protected by the latest booster before the final appointments on June 30.

Dr Matt Nisbet, clinical lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and a GP, said: “People of these ages have been made eligible for the spring dose because they are at a higher risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, if they do not receive it.”

He added: “Patients are still ending up in hospital and suffering from long-Covid as a result of the illness. Although the sun is shining and our thoughts may be elsewhere, we still need to keep everyone safe and protected.”

Am I eligible for the spring dose?

The spring dose of vaccine is being offered to people aged over 75 (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023), those in an adult care home, as well as those aged five and over with a weakened immune system.

Even if you have received a Covid vaccine booster as recently as February or March, you are still eligible and advised to book for the spring dose.

The vaccination offered has been tested on people and declared safe – and if there is any reason that you should not receive a specific type of the vaccine, you will be advised by a clinician about what you should do.

To check your eligibility click here.

Where can I get it?

The vaccine is being offered by many GP practices and community pharmacies, while there are also a small number of pop-up clinics offering a mixture of bookable and walk-in appointments.

When can I get it?

The absolute deadline for the last appointments is June 30 and you will not be able to get vaccinated after this date. Covid vaccines will then only be available in line with the usual seasonal offerings, such as in the autumn/winter.

Which area does this cover?

The spring dose is being offered to those who are eligible in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight including Portsmouth, Southampton, the New Forest, Alton, Winchester, and Basingstoke.

How do I arrange an appointment?

If you have received a letter from your GP to say you are eligible, you can respond to that directly.

Or book online here.

If you are unsure about whether you are eligible, you can also speak to your GP or consultant who provides your usual care, or call the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018 (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, or 9am - 1pm weekends).

Or visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight vaccination programme website for more details here.