Spring COVID 19 vaccination programme
Warmer weather doesn’t lower the risk: Spring COVID jabs to protect vulnerable people in Somerset
As spring brings brighter weather, many people naturally feel more active and optimistic. But illnesses like COVID-19 haven’t gone away, and for some, the risks remain very real.
42% of people in Somerset have already been vaccinated this Spring but the virus spreads easily all year round and can be very dangerous and even life threatening for vulnerable people such as those who are immunosuppressed and those who live in a care home for older adults.
That’s why the NHS in Somerset is encouraging eligible people to book their spring booster when invited and reminding families and representatives with responsibility for care home residents to return consent forms where needed.
Not just for older people: What does having a weakened immune system mean?
If you live with a weakened immune system, your body can find it harder to fight off infections, increasing your risk of serious illness from viruses. Only people with specific conditions; including having had an organ transplant, undergoing some cancer treatments, or receiving long‑term specialist therapies for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease; are recommended to have the COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, guidance is available at www.nhs.uk/covid‑vaccine , or you can ask your pharmacist or GP surgery if you are unsure.
Support for housebound people
If you or someone you care for is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination and is housebound, the Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) Vaccination Outreach Team or your GP practice will get in touch between April and the 30 June to arrange a home visit appointment. It is sometimes normal to receive a national reminder from NHS England before your local team gets in contact, but please do not worry as this does not mean you have been missed. More information is available: https://bit.ly/housebound_vax
Giving consent for vaccinations in care homes
If you have a loved one living in an adult care home who is eligible, the care home should be in touch with you about upcoming visits from local NHS vaccination teams. Please return consent forms as soon as possible with your decision if you have power of attorney. Care home staff can help with any questions and more information is available: www.nhs.uk/covid‑vaccine.
Rob Weaver, GP and Deputy Chief Officer at NHS Somerset, said:
“Warmer weather sadly doesn’t change the risk of COVID-19. The virus continues to circulate and for older people and those with weakened immune systems, the risk remains. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of severe illness and reduce the chance of hospital admission. So please come forward when invited to avoid any delay in your protection.”
If you are eligible, you will be invited by text, email, NHS App messages or by letter but you don’t need to wait for an invite – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 now to book your appointment
To find out more about the COVID-19 vaccinations in Somerset visit: https://bit.ly/covid-2026
