Anyone aged 5 and over can now get a Covid-19 vaccination. Depending on which dose you or your family member are eligible for, you can receive your first, second or booster dose. It’s never too late to get vaccinated. Find the latest walk in times here https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/vaccination-walk-in-clinics/
Do I need a Spring Booster – and how do I get one? Book your Spring Booster Today A booster dose will top up your immunity to continue to keep you and those around you safe. Book an appointment 6 months after your last booster dose to get the best protection from your Spring booster.
You can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or walk into a local vaccination centre for your spring booster if you are:
- aged 75 and over
- aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system
- If you live in a care home for older people, contact your care home manager about getting vaccinated.
Here’s what Walter, an 89 year old from Wimbledon, had to say about the spring booster:
“I’ve turned 89 this month. One of the ways I want to keep myself well is by coming to get my Covid-19 spring booster vaccine. I’ve had the Covid infection, but I know the vaccine has been working because I didn’t become very unwell. Coronavirus is still around us, and I want to protect myself and my loved ones from becoming seriously ill. It was quick and easy, I didn’t book an appointment and just walked in, the staff have been really welcoming. Now that I am protected again I can enjoy the summer and see my friends and family." Full story, including details of the spring booster.
To help give clarity on who the spring booster is for, and how they can get it, we’ve posted a blog on the CCG website.
If you are eligible, you can book your appointment now on NHS.uk/covid-booster or find you nearest walk-in centre here https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/vaccination-walk-in-clinics/
Getting Vaccinated Overseas
If you’ve had a Covid-19 vaccination overseas, the NHS will need to check your vaccination status and update your NHS record. In south west London this can be done at the following vaccination clinics, where you can either walk in or book an appointment in advance:
- Centrale Shopping Centre, Croydon
- Roehampton Vaccination Centre
More information about walk-in vaccinations and recording overseas vaccinations can be found on the CCG website.
Travelling abroad and vaccinations
Although the government has removed remaining domestic restrictions in England, you are advised to check foreign travel advice for the country you’re travelling to. The country you’re visiting may have COVID-19 entry rules and may require isolation or vaccinations as a condition of travel.
You can check foreign travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
The NHS COVID Pass lets you share your coronavirus (COVID-19) status records in a secure way - Find out how to use the NHS COVID Pass to show your vaccination status by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae
Getting your digital NHS COVID Pass
Get your NHS COVID Pass letter
Health Day at Ingram Court
Last week NHS south west London CCG worked with Ingram Court youth hostel to run a health day for young people experiencing homelessness. The event involved local services including Aids Healthcare Foundation, Mind in Croydon, BME Forum, Off the Record, NHS Sexual Health and Change Grow Live who offered their services to young people along with a friendly chat. Local pharmacist, Dipti Gandhi also attended the event to have a chat with young people about the COVID-19 vaccine and answer any of their questions in a safe and familiar space . There was also wonderful food, clothing, music and goodie bags for attendees to take away.
Want to help the local vaccination programme? Here’s some content for you to share
You can support the vaccination programme by sharing the content below with your networks.
- Vaccinations for 5-11 year olds
- Spring booster vaccine
Details: SWL 5-11 year olds content
Come and have a chat, 5-11 year old video, download here: Come and have a chat video - 2nd 5-11 video Fairview.mp4 - Google Drive
Blog on Vaccinations for 5-11 year olds at Wimbledon Centre Court and 5 Questions from Parents
Suggested copy:
Children aged 5-11 are now eligible to get their Covid-19 vaccine. Have you got questions about the vaccine and would like to speak to someone? Our clinical staff are happy to chat. To find out more, visit: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid-speak-to-us/speak-with-someone-about-vaccination/
Details: SWL Spring booster blog
Walter’s experience on Spring Booster - Blog
The Covid-19 Spring booster dose is being offered to people who are:
✔aged 75 & over
✔aged 12 & over and immunosuppressed
Book your appointment now on NHS.uk/covid-booster or find you nearest walk-in here 👉 http://ow.ly/g5kY50HRPho
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you get your spring booster?
Try to book an appointment around 6 months after your last dose to get the best protection from your spring booster.
Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or walk into a local vaccination centre for your spring booster if you are:
- aged 75 and over
- aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system
- If you live in a care home for older people, contact your care home manager about getting vaccinated.
What if I’ve recently had COVID-19, should I get my spring booster?
If you had the virus, you should still get your spring booster, but you will need to wait four weeks, if over 18. Most eligible younger people aged 12 to 17 should wait 12 weeks before getting their booster, unless they are at greater risk from COVID-19 – find out more here.
Do I really need this booster, now restrictions have been lifted?
Yes, vaccines have enabled the gradual and safe removal of restrictions on every day life over the past year. However, COVID-19 is still out there and there are still many people in hospital with the virus. So, it’s as important as ever to stay up to date with your vaccines.
I am scared of injections – is it better to visit a vaccination site or GP/Pharmacy?
Vaccinators will make reasonable adjustments and fast-track individuals who are worried about vaccination. For example, sites may offer longer appointments and minimise the waiting time for those that are feeling anxious.
Kind regards,
Ashley Adaya
Communications Manager (Croydon)
NHS South West London CCG
E: Ashley.Adaya@swlondon.nhs.uk
