Covid-19 spring booster: who is eligible for the fourth jab in Birmingham and how to book

A fourth Covid vaccine is now being offered to some people in England this week.

A total of around five million people are expected to be given the jab, with around 600,000 people to be invited to book their dose.

It comes with cases of coronavirus rising again in nearly all parts of England.

In Birmingham, cases increased by 61.5% in the last week.

There were 2614 new cases diagnosed in the city in the week ending, 10 March, compared with 4222 the week ending 17 March.

The lifting of many restrictions, waning effectiveness of boosters and the spread of the highly contagious BA.2 ‘stealth Omicron’ variant have all been touted as potential reasons for rising infection rates in the UK.

So with Covid cases once again rising across the country, many will be eager to find out exactly who is eligible for a fourth Covid vaccine and when they can book.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who is eligible for another Covid booster vaccine?

Following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), care home residents, people who are 75 and over and those aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system are now eligible for a spring booster, including in Birmingham and the West Midlands region.

Covid booster vaccines for millions of people in England will begin to be offered this week, the NHS has announced.

This means the vaccine will be available to:

• care home residents
• those aged 75 and over
• the immunosuppressed aged 12 and over

The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will contact people when it is their turn to be vaccinated again.

Once they have an invitation, they will be able to book their appointment through the National Booking System either online or by calling NHS 119.

Local NHS teams will also be administering the vaccine in care homes.

Which vaccine will people receive?

Eligible adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 offered the Pfizer vaccine.

What’s been said in Birmingham?

Dr Masood Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s fantastic that we can now offer spring boosters to the most vulnerable people in our communities. We know that immunity to Covid-19 can begin to wane after time, so it’s important that we ensure that the elderly and those with weakened immune systems have the highest level of protection against Covid-19.

“I would urge anyone who is contacted by the NHS to book their spring booster as soon as possible. For those who haven’t yet been contacted, we will be in touch when it’s your turn so please wait until you hear from us.

“It’s important to remember that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away so it’s vital that everyone comes forward for their vaccine, whether that’s a first or second dose, or for those eligible, a booster dose.

“Even if you previously turned down the offer of a vaccine, it’s not too late to get started on your vaccination journey to protect yourself and those around you.”

What about first, second and third vaccine doses?

Children aged 12 and over and all adults are eligible to receive a first dose. Second doses are currently available for people aged 12 to 17 who had their first dose twelve weeks ago, and anyone over the age of 18 who had their first dose eight weeks ago.

All adults over 18 who had their second dose three months ago are also eligible for their booster jab.

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