All eligible patients now able to book Spring COVID-19 vaccinations

Eligible patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who are eligible for a COVID-19 Spring vaccination have been informed that all invitations have been issued and that they can now book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic.

Those who fall into one of the following groups are eligible for a Spring vaccination:

• People aged 75 and over;
• People aged 5-74 who have a weakened immune system;
• Anyone who lives in a care home for older people.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, chief medical director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB), said:

“All eligible patients should now have received their invitation to come forward for a Spring COVID vaccination.  If you have not received a call or a text message then it’s likely that either we don’t hold a phone number for you, or your details on our records are out of date.

“In any case, you can now receive your Spring COVID vaccination.

“Our advice remains the same: getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious illness.  While many people might think that COVID is over, it is still very much with us.

“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away but your protection from previous vaccinations wanes over time, so it’s important to come forward this Spring if you are eligible.  We are likely to see regular waves of infection for some time to come.  Being vaccinated can help prevent further disruption to your life this summer, so don’t risk ruining your plans for a holiday or for precious time spent with friends and family.

“And it’s also the ideal opportunity to contact your general practice to make sure that the contact details they hold for you are up to date, in case they need to get in touch about any aspect of your health or care eligibilities, such as screenings and vaccinations.”

Dr Whiteman has also reissued her call to anyone who hasn’t had their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination to come forward before the opportunity ends:

“There are lots of reasons why you may not have had the first two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.  Perhaps you missed an appointment, or maybe you originally said no but have changed your mind because someone close to you has been seriously ill with COVID.

“It’s still not too late to get your first or second COVID jab, but the offer will end on 30 June so if that’s you, make sure you don’t miss out.”

Eligible patients can book an appointment online at www.nhs.uk, via the NHS App, or by calling 119.  There is a range of bookable and walk-in sessions on offer across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.  For information on the latest walk-in clinics near you, follow twitter.com/BLMKHealthCare or facebook.com/BLMKHealthAndCare.