COVID risk warning for Somerset’s most vulnerable
Warmer weather doesn’t lower the risk: Spring COVID jabs to protect
vulnerable people in Somerset
As spring brings brighter weather, many people naturally feel more active and
optimistic. But illnesses like COVID-19 haven’t gone away, and for some, the risks
remain very real.
42% of people in Somerset have already been vaccinated this Spring but the virus
spreads easily all year round and can be very dangerous and even life threatening
for vulnerable people such as those who are immunosuppressed and those who live
in a care home for older adults.
That’s why the NHS in Somerset is encouraging eligible people to book their spring
booster when invited and reminding families and representatives with responsibility
for care home residents to return consent forms where needed.
Not just for older people: What does having a weakened immune system
mean?
If you live with a weakened immune system, your body can find it harder to fight off
infections, increasing your risk of serious illness from viruses. Only people with
specific conditions; including having had an organ transplant, undergoing some
cancer treatments, or receiving longterm specialist therapies for conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease; are recommended to have the
COVID-19 vaccination.
If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, guidance is
available at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine , or you can ask your pharmacist or GP
surgery if you are unsure.
Support for housebound people
If you or someone you care for is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination and is
housebound, the Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) Vaccination Outreach Team or
your GP practice will get in touch between April and the 30 June to arrange a home
visit appointment. It is sometimes normal to receive a national reminder from NHS
England before your local team gets in contact, but please do not worry as this does
not mean you have been missed.
More information is available:
https://bit.ly/housebound_vax
Giving consent for vaccinations in care homes
If you have a loved one living in an adult care home who is eligible, the care home
should be in touch with you about upcoming visits from local NHS vaccination teams.
Please return consent forms as soon as possible with your decision if you have
power of attorney. Care home staff can help with any questions and more
information is available: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
Rob Weaver, GP and Deputy Chief Officer at NHS Somerset, said:
“Warmer weather sadly doesn’t change the risk of COVID-19. The virus continues to
circulate and for older people and those with weakened immune systems, the risk
remains. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of severe
illness and reduce the chance of hospital admission. So please come forward when
invited to avoid any delay in your protection.”
To help protect those most at risk, the NHS is offering a COVID-19 vaccine to:
adults aged 75 years and over
residents in care homes for older adults
individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over
If you are eligible, you will be invited by text, email, NHS App messages or by letter
but you don’t need to wait for an invite – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App
or call 119 now to book your appointment
To find out more about the COVID-19 vaccinations in Somerset visit:
https://bit.ly/covid-2026