All vaccination programmes are expensive for the NHS to offer and run so careful thought is given before programmes are initiated. When they are they are only for those who are likely to benefit. These programmes are only taken up by the NHS after a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who have carefully weighed the evidence and believe it is to the benefit of those to whom it is offered. 

The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time – often a short time. If you are in the targeted eligible group It’s important to top up your protection when offered.

COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. The current targeted group includes –

• aged 75 years and over
• in a care home for older adults
• aged 75 years and over
• over the age of 6 months and have a weakened immune system

It’s important to take up the vaccine every time you’re offered. Even if your health condition is well managed, you’re still at increased risk.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:

• help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
• help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
• help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
• protect against different types of COVID-19 virus    

As somebody in the vulnerable group I have the booster every time it is offered but I have still spent 10 days in hospital following a diagnosis of Covid 19. I continue to have the after effects of that episode. I wonder if I would be here to write this ‘plea to you’ if I had not had repeated boosters?