The countdown is on to get your spring COVID-19 booster.

With only a few weeks left of this year’s spring COVID-19 vaccine programme, Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up to come forward and get protected before the programme closes on 17 June.

Those who are immunocompromised aged 6 months and older are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, alongside those currently aged 75 and over, or who will be aged 75 by the 17 June 2025, and older adult care home residents.

The vaccine provides vital protection against different strains of the COVID-19 virus, helping to reduce the risk of catching and spreading it, as well as the risk of serious illness or hospitalisation if infected.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, GP and Executive Medical Director for NHS Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group, talks about the importance of having the vaccine if you are immunocompromised in the following video.

Surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year’s spring COVID-19 vaccination program showed that those who received a vaccine were more than 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.

From now until the 17 June, there are hundreds of appointments available every day across the area, including at pharmacies and GP practices. Booking can be made via the National Booking Service. Some areas also offer convenient walk-in options, with a full list of walk-in sites available online.

COVID-19 can cause severe illness and hospitalisations in some cases, particularly among those most at risk. The vaccine gives the best protection against the virus and its different variants and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.

More information can be found on the Frimley Health and Care website.