12.05.2022

The NHS in Sussex is calling for anyone who now due a second COVID-19 vaccination to book theirs this week. Latest figures show that 116,628 of those who are eligible have had their spring or second booster, but 91,894 people are now eligible and are yet to come forward or be vaccinated. With hundreds of appointments available this week, people are being urged to book theirs as soon as possible.

 People are eligible for a spring or second booster if they are aged 75 and over or they are aged 12 years and over and have a weakened immune system.

 *People living in older people’s care homes are also eligible and specific visits are being planned in order to make sure these people get their vaccination.

In the majority of cases, people will receive the Moderna vaccination – one of the three approved vaccines in the UK widely used throughout the programme to date. People can book an appointment from three months of the date of their original booster.

 No invite is needed. The NHS is also calling on family members and friends to make sure their loved ones have received their vaccine if they are due.

Call 119 from 8am to 8pm or use the National Booking Service website to book a local appointment.

Walk in sessions are also available every day. For the latest list of walk in sessions and more information about the vaccination programme visit COVID-19 vaccinations – Sussex Health & Care Partnership (sussexhealthandcare.uk)

“It may seem that COVID-19 has gone away but it is still in our communities and we want to make sure our most vulnerable have this extra protection for the coming months.

 “By making sure that you have a spring booster when you are due means that it will cover you over the summer and you have had it ahead of the autumn.”

URGENT: Given the scale needed for the Covid-19 vaccination programme all local GP surgeries will be using a range of ways to contact patients to book their appointment. This includes phone call and text message. You will never be asked for anything other than a few personal details to confirm your identification and you will certainly never be asked for anything financial.  In responding to this, please be mindful of the following:

We are aware that some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages or emails offering the COVID-19 vaccination or asking for NHS Numbers in preperation for receiving the vaccination. In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.

People are warned to be alert to these scams.

The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. You will not be asked for your NHS Number when you are contacted. At present, appointments are only being offered to members of the public over 80 years old.

The NHS will:

• NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.
• NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.