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About five million people in total are eligible for a booster through the end of June, including those over 75 and anyone over the age of five who is immunocompromised.

While the booster home care program rolls out in England, all other eligible people will be able to book their jab online from April 5th, with the first appointments being available the week commencing April 17th.

Millions of people will receive their initial invitations via the NHS app, where they can also book their appointment.

Text messages and letters will be sent to those who don’t have the app or don’t use it regularly.

The NHS director of vaccines and screenings, Steve Russell, said: “As a society, we are learning to live with Covid but, for many, it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalization, so it remains very important. than those at higher risk of presenting themselves and increase their protection in the coming weeks.

“There are still around 8,000 people in hospital with Covid, according to the latest data, and the NHS has now treated more than a million hospitalized Covid patients since the pandemic began.

“So if you are over the age of 75 or have a weakened immune system, get in there as soon as possible to book a Covid shot this spring so you can enjoy the summer with peace of mind.”

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Our successful vaccination program has helped us all live with Covid, saved thousands of lives and protected the most vulnerable from serious disease.

“We are committed to giving vulnerable people the protection they need from the virus, so I want to encourage those who are 75 and older or who have weakened immune systems to book their booster shot starting Wednesday.

“It’s quick and easy and will give you the protection you need for months to come.”

The offer for anyone to get a first Covid shot will end on June 30, with more targeted seasonal campaigns likely in the future.

Earlier this year, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) said that the spring booster campaign may include vaccination with injections from Pfizer, Moderna, Sanofi/GSK.

The Novavax jab will be available for use only when alternatives are not deemed clinically appropriate.

Children under 12 years of age will be offered an infant formulation of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The vaccine people receive will depend on the local supply.