JCVI advises a spring COVID-19 vaccine dose for the most vulnerable and Autumn vaccination programme

Posted on March 1st, 2022

Spring vaccination programme

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised an additional spring booster dose for the most vulnerable individuals in the population.

Immunity derived from vaccination declines over time and many of the oldest adults received their most recent vaccine dose in September or October 2021.

These individuals are at much higher risk of severe coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore, as a precautionary strategy to maintain high levels of immunity, an extra spring dose is advised around 6 months after the last vaccine dose for:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in in the COVID 19 healthcare guidance Green Book

For further information see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-advises-a-spring-covid-19-vaccine-dose-for-the-most-vulnerable

Autumn vaccination programme

Despite the known uncertainties, in the year ahead, winter will remain the season when the threat from COVID-19 is greatest both for individuals and for health communities. It is JCVI’s interim view that:

• an autumn 2022 programme of vaccinations will be indicated for persons who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19; such as those of older age and in clinical risk groups however precise details of an autumn programme cannot be laid down at this time.