Residents at care homes for older adults will begin receiving spring Covid-19 vaccinations on Monday.

Care homes for older adults are among the vulnerable groups identified as eligible for vaccination until 30 June following JCVI advice.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus.

“Covid-19 can still be very dangerous, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system, and over time immunity – either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination – can fade, so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisations at UK Health Security Agency, said: “With Covid-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible for the spring vaccine get their jab to help top up their immunity.”

Health minister Maria Caulfield said: “We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable from Covid and this spring programme will give those most at risk of serious illness the protection they need.”

UKHSA surveillance data on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.