01 April 2023 , 14:36
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Millions of Brits will have access to another Covid booster jab from next week as cases climb to their highest level this year.
Care home residents in England will be the first to receive the spring Covid-19 booster vaccine from Monday.
From Wednesday, millions more people in the country will be invited to book an appointment, health officials confirmed.
Some five million people will be entitled to the top up vaccine until the end of June.
This includes those aged 75 and over as well as people with an immunosuppressed condition aged five and over.
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From April 5, everyone will be able to book a jab online with the first appointments available from April 17.
Letters and text messages will also be sent to those without the app or who do not regularly use it.
Care home residents will be among the first to receive the booster jab (PA)Estimated coronavirus cases last week reached their highest level so far since January 3, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Results suggest 1.5 million people in private households in England had coronavirus n the week ending March 13, up from 1.3 million the week prior.
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, commented: "As a society we are learning to live with Covid.
"But, for many, it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, and so it is still really important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection in the coming weeks."
Mr Russell highlighted how there are still some 8,000 people in hospital with Covid, according to the latest data.
Text messages and letters will also be sent to people without the app (PA)The NHS has now treated more than one million Covid inpatients since the pandemic began, he said.
"So if you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, please come forward as soon as possible to book a Covid vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind," he added.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the Spring Covid booster is quick and easy and will "give the protection you need for the months ahead."
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He continued: "Our successful vaccination programme has helped us all to live with Covid, saved thousands of lives and protected the most vulnerable from serious disease.
"We’re committed to giving vulnerable people the protection they need from the virus, so I want to encourage those who are 75 or over or who have a weakened immune system to book their booster jab from Wednesday."
The offer for anyone to get a first Covid jab will end on June 30, with more targeted seasonal campaigns likely in the future.