UK launches spring COVID booster shots for vulnerable groups.

Around five million people in England will be eligible for a  COVID booster in the spring, including people over 75, those with compromised immune systems and residents of care homes, the UK Health Service said on Saturday. The 

 people living in care homes will be prioritized and given vaccines to protect against the severe effects of COVID-19 from Monday as  NHS removal teams visit these homes to administer the vaccines. 

 

 The National Health Service (NHS) said more eligible people will be able to make bookings through the UK's National Booking Service or the NHS app from next Wednesday, with the first dates available from April 17. 

 

 "Our successful vaccination program has helped us  live with COVID, saving thousands of lives and protecting those most at risk of serious illness," said Steve Barclay, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. 

 

 "We are committed to providing vulnerable people with the protection they need from the virus so I would encourage people over the age of 75 or with compromised immune systems to book a booster  from Wednesday.It's quick and easy and gives you the protection you need for  months to come," he said. 

 

 The latest recall means millions of people are receiving pre-bookings via the NHS app, which is also used for bookings. Text messages and letters are also  sent to people who don't have the app or aren't actively using it. 

 

 “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 that those most at  risk come forward and take their Step up protection  of  people hospitalized with COVID  since the start of the pandemic.So if you are over 75 or have a compromised immune system, apply to book your COVID vaccine this spring as soon as possible  so you can enjoy your summer with peace of mind,” he said. 

 

 The payer-funded NHS says they have given out more than 144.5 million free COVID shots in multiple vaccination campaigns since Maggie Keenan became the first in the world  to receive the vaccine outside a trial clinic in December 2020. 

 

 The latter round of boosters is  offered to those deemed most at risk, as recommended by the  Joint Independent Committee on Immunization and Immunization 

 

 Weakened and compromised immune systems are also vulnerable, so it's important that anyone eligible  for a spring booster is coming should boost his immunity to this still  serious virus.