COVID Vaccinations
Update on COVID booster Vaccinations March 2024
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine booster doses are offered seasonally and may be offered additionally if there is a surge in infections. The next COVID-19 booster for people who are at higher risk of becoming unwell with COVID is available from April 2024 to June 2024. This includes all people living with HIV. The NHS should be in contact with you by letter with details on how to arrange a COVID-19 booster vaccination.
You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first. You will be invited to have your booster around 6 months after your last dose, but you can have it as soon as 3 months.
If you are turning 75 years of age between April and June, you do not have to wait until your birthday, you can attend when you are called for vaccination.
You should be invited for your booster, your GP may offer you the vaccine or you can book using the NHS app for Apple or Android. If not, you can also find your nearest walk-in vaccination site from the NHS website.
Do you need to show proof of eligibility?
Most people will have received a recent letter showing their eligibility and are advised to take this to their vaccine appointment. If necessary, you can show a link to this web-page as proof of eligibility.
We have heard reports that everyone attending vaccinations centres locally are being asked if they are either immunocompromised, over 65 or a front-line healthcare worker and are not being asked specific detail of diagnosis.
If you experience difficulty receiving your next vaccination due to questions about your eligibility, please contact the Lawson Unit secretaries who can provide a letter if this is necessary.
Finally
We recommend that all people living with HIV are vaccinated for COVID-19 and have the seasonal booster doses when they are available. If you are concerned about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines, you can get more information on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/.
Or if you live in Brighton and Hove:
Vaccinations (brighton-hove.gov.uk).
British HIV Association Guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and HIV – latest BHIVA Statements.
More COVID vaccination information regarding people at higher risk of becoming unwell with COVID