COVID-19 vaccination programme update: Spring boosters to stop 30th June
In February 2022, the JCVI published a statement that recommended the introduction of an additional spring booster, outlining a plan to offer it to people aged 75 and over, older care home residents and people over 12 years old who are immunosuppressed.
In May it was announced that following official guidance, the delivery of the spring booster programme will be ceasing from 30 June 2022. The aim of this decision is to allow those receiving a spring booster sufficient time between doses [if they are deemed eligible by the JCVI for an autumn booster].
This plan by Welsh Government is consistent with their approach used in other programmes, such as the seasonal flu jabs, and in other UK nations (Scotland and England) for their spring booster COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
“When it is time for you to receive your spring booster dose, you will be contacted by your local health board. Please do not contact them unless you need to change your appointment.”
For further information and details please visit
https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme-vaccine-update-19-may-2022
In May 2022, the JCVI issued interim advice, which indicates they are likely to recommend an autumn vaccine for our most vulnerable individuals. There is no new update with further advice from the JCVI on autumn booster.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and expect final advice on the autumn programme to come from the JCVI in due course. Our NHS in Wales has been planning for a potential autumn programme and will be ready to deliver to continue to protect our most vulnerable individuals.
Further Information
Delays because of infection
If someone eligible for a spring booster has had a COVID infection recently, they will need to wait 28 days (4 weeks) from the date they tested positive before they can be vaccinated. They will still be able to get vaccinated after 30 June as part of this campaign if they must postpone.
Other age groups – primary and booster doses:
Whilst we continue to roll out our spring booster programme, it is not too late for anyone who needs a primary dose (first, second or third) or autumn booster to be vaccinated.
Please check for local arrangements: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination
Covid vaccination for international travel
Please plan ahead if you think you’ll need to be vaccinated before travelling abroad. The vaccine programme follows JCVI clinical advice on vaccine intervals.
Covid vaccination is still free through the NHS, but you will not be ‘fast-tracked’ for travel – the vaccine schedule is advised for safety and effectiveness.
For adults there must be an 8-week gap between first and second doses. Then a further 12 weeks before a booster, and 12 weeks again for those eligible for Spring boosters. The advice on vaccination intervals differs depending on age, clinical vulnerability, and prior Covid-19 infection. For full details are contained in the Green book chapter 14a: COVID-19 Greenbook chapter 14a (publishing.service.gov.uk)
More information is available here: https://gov.wales/international-travel-and-wales-coronavirus
Spring boosters background
The advice contained in the JCVI statement of 21 February 2022 stated that “a spring dose for the most vulnerable persons in the population, is a proportionate response in the current circumstances” and that “as a precautionary strategy for 2022, JCVI advises a spring dose, around 6 months after the last vaccine dose, should be offered to:
- 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 the Green Book