As we move into spring, the NHS is offering COVID‑19 booster vaccinations to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from the virus.
COVID‑19 has not gone away, and protection from previous vaccines can fade over time. A spring booster helps top up your immunity and maintain protection during the year.
Who will be offered a spring COVID‑19 vaccine?
The NHS will contact you in spring 2026 if you are eligible. You may be offered a COVID‑19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment
Why the spring booster is important
Viruses change, and immunity reduces over time — even if you’ve had COVID‑19 before or received previous vaccine doses. The COVID‑19 vaccine is offered to help protect those most at risk.
Getting the COVID‑19 vaccine can:
- reduce your risk of severe symptoms
- help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID‑19
- reduce your risk of hospital admission or death
- provide protection against different types of COVID‑19 virus
COVID‑19 vaccination remains an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of serious illness. [nhs.uk]
Weakened immune system – what does this include?
You may be eligible for a spring COVID‑19 vaccine if you have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment. This can include people who:
- have or have had blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
- have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
- have HIV
- have a genetic immune disorder (for example severe combined immunodeficiency – SCID)
- are having or have recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy
- are taking steroid medication (depending on the dose)
- are on long‑term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), scleroderma or psoriasis
This list is a summary and does not cover every situation. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, please speak to your GP surgery, specialist team or local pharmacy. [nhs.uk]
How will I be invited?
If you’re eligible, Box Surgery will contact you by text message with a secure appointment booking link.
We’re running by-appointment only COVID-19 vaccination clinics on:
• Saturday the 18th of April
• [Date to be confirmed]
Please wait to receive your text before contacting the surgery. The message will include everything you need to book your appointment.
If you do not have a mobile phone, we will contact you another way.
How to Book?
• If you’re eligible, you’ll get a text message from the practice with a secure booking link. Please note, to view this link you will need to enter the provided access code and your date of birth. Without this information you are not able to view the message.
• Click your preferred date in the link, then tap “Search” to see available slots.
• We’ll send your text in due course—please do not ring or email reception asking for it.
For patients without a mobile phone: we will contact you directly. Please do not call the surgery.
More information
For the most up‑to‑date national guidance, including vaccine safety and side effects, please visit:
- NHS COVID‑19 vaccine information:
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/ [nhs.uk]
If you’re not sure whether the spring COVID‑19 vaccine is right for you, please speak to your local pharmacy, GP surgery or specialist.
