As Covid-19 cases are on the rise, the NHS has called for three groups of people to take part in the spring vaccination programme - as they're at increased risk of the virus.
Over the last week, the number of positive coronavirus cases increased to 7.1 per cent, compared with just 4.6 per cent the week before. This figure is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel "spotter" laboratories.
Meanwhile, admissions to hospitals due to Covid-19 increased to 2.56 per 100,000 compared to 1.97 per 100,000 in the previous week. Thankfully, intensive-care unit admissions due to the virus remained low and stable - most recently at 0.07 people per 100,000. As well as that, the total number of confirmed coronavirus acute respiratory incidents increased compared to the previous week, with 17 incidents reported in England. Currently, the highest hospital admission rate regionally is in the North East of England, at 3.90 per 100,000.
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, although the figure remains stable. Meanwhile, hospital admissions due to Covid-19 slightly increased across the rest of the age groups - including those aged between 65 and 84.
Now, the NHS is calling for certain groups to come forward as the spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme has rolled out. Adults aged 75 years and over by June 30, older adults in care homes and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed are eligible for the vaccine.
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Those without access to the internet can call 119 to book an appointment. NHS will be sending texts, emails and NHS app messages to remind those eligible to book their appointments but they do not have to wait to be contacted. Vaccination will end on 30 June 2024.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, said: "Once again, COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations have risen this week, so now is the time to get your COVID-19 spring vaccine if you’re eligible and haven’t already. The COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection to those at risk as the virus spreads.
"If you’re 75 years old or older, a resident in a care home for older adults, or have a weakened immune system – book online at nhs.uk/get-vaccine or call 119 if you don’t have access to the internet. You don’t have to wait for the NHS to get in touch with you.
"If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu try to stay at home as it helps protect others, especially those who are more vulnerable to these viruses. If you are unable to stay at home when unwell, consider wearing a mask.
It comes as a new Covid strain feared to be behind a sudden rise in cases around the world is feared to be “harder to stop” with increased immunity to current vaccines. Latest figures from the UK Health Safety Agency show a rise of 15.7 per cent in confirmed cases as the virus continues to mutate.
Its most recent strain has been dubbed FLiRT after the technical name for its mutation. It currently makes up around 25 per cent of cases in the US and is feared to become the next variant to take control. Another variant, known as KP.1.1, accounts for 7.5 per cent of positive cases in the country with fears it could spread worldwide.
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