Over-75s among those eligible for spring Covid booster vaccine

People over the age of 75 will be among those offered a spring Covid booster vaccine from April, the Welsh Government has announced.

Other groups eligible for the booster include care home residents and anyone aged five and older who is immunosuppressed.

The boosters will be available from April 1. However, the universal offer of a Covid-19 booster will end in Wales on March 31.

People who are at a higher risk from Covid and those who develop new health conditions which make them eligible for the booster will still be able to receive their booster if advised by a doctor or any other clinician.

People who have not had any Covid vaccines will still have the chance to do until June 30.

The Welsh Government has also confirmed an autumn booster campaign will be rolled out later this year following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Sir Frank Atherton, Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, said: “Coronavirus is still circulating in our communities, so we are offering the most vulnerable another booster vaccination this spring.

“People who are eligible for vaccination will begin to receive their invitations in the coming weeks.”

He urged people to take up their offer of a vaccine and said: “For anyone who hasn’t yet received your primary course or original booster – it’s not too late. Please make an appointment to get your booster by the end of this month or your primary course by June 30.

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself and the people around you to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”