Covid booster jabs get underway across the North West

Covid booster vaccinations are starting to rollout across the North West this week as the NHS vaccination programme enters a new phase ahead of winter.

Texts allowing eligible people to arrange a top-up vaccine through the National Booking Service will start going out from today, with letters also being sent later this week.

Those who have had their second vaccine at least six months ago are eligible for the booster jab to increase their protection.

Vaccine services starting to give booster jabs in the region from today (20 September) include Birkenhead Medical Building in Wirral, with further sites expected to rollout the booster vaccine through the week.

 

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for the North West, said: “It’s exciting to see the next phase of the Covid vaccination programme begin as booster jabs are rolled out across the North West.

“The vaccination programme has already been a great success with more than 9.6 million vaccinations given across the region, part of 77 million in England.

“As we head into winter, it’s important we don’t drop our guard so I would urge everyone who is invited via text or letter to come forward and get a booster vaccination.

“Getting a top-up vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from Covid-19.”

 

Dr Abhi Mantgani, Senior Executive Partner at Miriam Primary Care Group, Birkenhead Medical Building, said: “We are pleased to begin phase three of the Covid vaccination programme, offering booster doses to those that had their primary vaccinations at least six months ago.  We are starting by inviting the over 80’s, including those living in residential care homes, housebound, and frontline health and social care workers, and will work through the age groups to offer booster doses to all adults aged 50 years and over.

“We continue to offer first and second doses to people who have not yet had their Covid vaccine and would encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward.”

 

The booster jab invitations follow fresh guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation last week. The first booster jabs were delivered less than 48 hours after it was issued. 

The NHS will let people know when it's their turn to have a booster dose. It's important not to contact the NHS for one before then. Once they receive their invite, people will be able to book an appointment online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. People that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Booster jabs are effective for topping up protection for people who have had both of their jabs and are at least six months after their second dose.

Hospital hubs have already started vaccinating frontline health and care workers as well as identifying other eligible patients for their booster vaccine with GP-led local vaccination services already contacting eligible patients. More invites will be sent in the coming days and weeks.

 

Pictured below: members of the public and frontline NHS staff receive their booster vaccination at Birkenhead Medical Building