THOUSANDS of people across Hampshire have received their spring covid vaccine. 

On the first day of the campaign on Monday, April 17, just under 4,000 people received their spring vaccine. 

The next stage of this COVID-19 vaccination began earlier this week with people aged 75 years and over, as well as those aged five and over with a weakened immune system starting to receive their vaccines. 

More than 15,000 appointments have been booked for eligible individuals to get vaccinated over the next two weeks. 

READ MORE: Sovereign holds cost of living event for Basingstoke residents

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead for the Hampshire COVID-19 Vaccination Programme explained that since the start of early April, more than 13,500 people have received their spring vaccine.

He said: “We have lots of appointments available over the next few weeks and it has been fantastic to see such a great response from day one.

"While for many it may feel like COVID is a thing of the past, we know that it continues to circulate, and we need to do what we can to keep those most at-risk of serious illness safe.

"Getting this spring dose helps to increase your level of protection and reduces your risk of hospitalisation if you catch the virus, so I would strongly urge everyone eligible to get booked in as soon as you can.”

People may be invited directly by the NHS or GP practice for their vaccine. 

If you're eligible, you don't need to wait to be invited and can book online via nhs.uk/CovidVaccination or by contacting 0300 561 0018.