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Spring 2024
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine materials for NHS partners are available on Google Drive. This includes posters, social cards, postcards, screen display slides.
There are assets on getting vaccinated during Ramadan and asking for the porcine gelatine-free vaccine. Some are available in 17 translated community languages. For further information please email: england.vaccinations-screening-communications@nhs.net
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has produced a measles infographic in response to a sharp rise of measles in many Muslim communities with lower MMR uptake.
BIMA has also published a ‘can we be vaccinated during Ramadan?’ graphic explaining the importance of vaccination and how the majority of scholars agree vaccines will not invalidate the fast. For more information please email: info@britishima.org
Useful responses
Offer starts: text | This spring, the NHS is once again offering the COVID-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus. If you are aged 75 or over or if you or your child have a weakened immune system, then you can now top up your protection and book your vaccine. Search ‘NHS COVID-19 vaccine’ for more details on how to book, or book through the NHS App to get protected this spring. |
How to book | If you are aged 75 and over or have a weakened immune system, there are lots of convenient ways to book your COVID-19 vaccine this spring. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine through the NHS App or on the NHS website, which also lists walk-in sites across the country that you can visit without an appointment. Alternatively, if you aren’t able to book online, you can call 119 where translators will also be available to support you if you need. Get the extra protection you need this spring, search ‘NHS COVID-19 vaccine’. |
Info for those with a weakened immune system | If you have a weakened immune system, your protection against COVID-19 may fade more quickly than other peoples. You can get the extra protection you need by getting the spring COVID-19 vaccine. You may be eligible for the vaccine if you have a disorder affecting your immune system, are undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, such as for cancer, or are taking medications that increase your risk of infection. You can check the summary of health conditions, treatments and medications that can cause a weakened immune system on the NHS website. Search ‘NHS COVID-19 vaccine’ for more details on how to book and get protected this spring. |
Text for websites:
Covid-19 spring booster 2024 – your guide
This spring Covid-19 booster vaccine are being offered to anyone:
- aged 75 years and over
- aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
- living in an older adult care home
You will be offered an appointment for your vaccination between April and June. There should have been around 6 months between this booster and your last dose.
If you are turning 75 years of age between April and June 2024, you can attend your vaccine appointment when asked to. You don’t need to wait until your birthday.
Which vaccine will I be offered?
You will be given a booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Both are safe and approved in the UK. These vaccines have been updated since the original vaccines and target a different COVID-19 variant. These updated vaccines boost protection well and give slightly higher levels of antibody against the more recent strains of COVID-19 (Omicron).
Are there any side effects?
Common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated vaccines being used this spring and they include:
- a painful, heavy feeling in the arm where you had your injection
- feeling tired
- headache
- general aches or mild flu-like symptoms
Rest and paracetamol will help you feel better and side effects should usually be gone in a few days.
If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111 or for text/phone use 18001 111.
If you have a history of allergies or if you had a reaction immediately after a previous dose, please tell the vaccinator. They may advise you to wait for 10-15 minutes after vaccination to make sure you are ok. If you have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the Covid-19 vaccine you should discuss this with your doctor.
You can report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Can I still catch Covid-19?
Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. The vaccine does take a few days to build up extra protection.
Some people may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination, but any infection should be less severe and reduce the chance of you becoming severely unwell.
What if I haven’t had all the other doses?
If you have not had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine (or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system) you can still have a spring booster.
If you have a severely weakened immune system your doctor may advise an extra dose three months after you have the spring vaccine.
Further information:
You will be invited for your booster by the NHS or you can book at www.nhs.uk and search ‘book a covid19 vaccination’, or you can call 119.
You can also find local information, including walk-in vaccine clinic on offer, at COVID-19 vaccination services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
