This year, 7.5 million people across the country are eligible for the jab, including nearly a million in the North West.
The online system went live on Tuesday, March 25, allowing people to book appointments for vaccinations beginning on Tuesday, April 1.
The NHS is reaching out to adults over 75, care home residents, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
These groups are considered to be at a higher risk from the Covid-19 virus.
The virus continues to pose a severe threat to these vulnerable groups, as demonstrated by the winter period, when more than 1,000 hospital beds on average were occupied daily by those with Covid.
The vaccine provides important protection against various strains of the virus, reducing the risk of infection and transmission, as well as the possibility of serious illness or hospitalisation in the event of infection.
Data from last year’s spring vaccination programme, gathered by the UK Health Security Agency, revealed that those who received the jab were more than 40 per cent less likely to be hospitalised with Covid-19 for up to two months post-vaccination, compared to those who did not receive the jab.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: “With more than 1,000 people across the country in hospital with Covid, nearly 150 of which are in hospitals in the North West, it’s clear Covid continues to impact on our communities and on our health service, particularly for older people and those with weakened immune systems.
“Previous immunity, either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination, can wane over time, so it is vital that those who are at higher risk have the latest vaccination as soon as they can.
“Covid can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system.
“The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death, needing to go to hospital, catching and spreading the virus.”
Appointments are available every day at various locations, including GP practices and pharmacies, and will continue to run until Tuesday, June 17.
The NHS will send out millions of invites via text, email, and NHS App messages to remind those who qualify to step forward.
However, people can book their vaccination appointments even if they have not received an invite.
Efforts are being made to reach those who find it difficult to leave their homes, with visits being organised for care homes and housebound patients.
Those who receive all their care at home should contact their GP to arrange a home visit for the vaccine.
People yet to receive any doses are encouraged to take part in the spring offer to safeguard against severe illness.
The NHS is also urging those aged 75 to 79, who have turned 80 since September 1 and pregnant women from 28 weeks, to book an appointment with their GP to receive the RSV vaccine.
Eligibility for the spring Covid vaccination, as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, includes adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
A detailed summary of the health conditions, treatments, and medications that can lead to a weakened immune system is available on the NHS.UK website, as well as a full definition of immunosuppression in Chapter 14a (table 3) of the Green Book.
