Fresh 'book a booster' appeal as Cornwall's health bosses gear up for Covid surge
NHS Kernow says cases are creeping up again and urging people to be cautious
Last updated 22nd Dec 2021
Cornwall’s NHS smashed its target to vaccinate 50,000 people against COVID-19 last week by putting 55,000 doses in arms.
The target is part of the drive to offer everyone aged 18 and older a booster jab before the end of the year.
It comes after health officials in the Duchy published an open letter, saying they are gearing up for an anticipated surge in coronavirus, with cases creeping up again.
Iain Davidson, Royal Cornwall Hospitals' chief pharmacist said: “Cases of COVID-19 are beginning to creep up in Cornwall and our NHS is preparing for a significant rise in cases during the coming weeks as Omicron becomes the dominant variant.
"With Christmas just days away there’s still time to give yourself and your loved ones the best gift by getting yourself vaccinated, especially if you’re planning to see friends and relatives, some of whom may be vulnerable.
"The vaccine takes from seven to 10 days to take its full effect so the sooner you are vaccinated, the better you’ll be protected against the Omicron variant".
Iain continued: "Our NHS is on a mission to vaccinate all 400k people in Cornwall that are eligible for a booster dose, as well as all those that have yet to have a first jab or are due their second jab, before the end of the year – and whilst demand is high there are plenty of available appointments and walk-in offers across Cornwall over the coming days and between Xmas and new year.
“If you are worried that it will make you ill before the holiday please be assured. Like any vaccine, most side effects are mild, resolve quickly and are much milder than getting COVID-19 itself, which can potentially be fatal to someone with an underlying health condition.
"If you are planning to see people during the holiday, remember to regularly test yourself, keep rooms ventilated if meeting indoors, wear face coverings in crowded and indoor places, and get your vaccination".
Where can I go to get a vaccine?
NHS Kernow says it is also not too late for people to book their first or second dose if they have not yet received any protection.
There are plenty of appointments available from now until 31st December including:
• Stithians Showground for walk-ins and bookable appointments from 9am to 6pm every day (excluding Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
• The Health and Wellbeing Clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.
• Carlyon House, Carlyon Road, St Austell, PL25 4BX
• Morrab pharmacy, Morrab, TR18 4EL.
• Redruth health centre, Forth Noweth, TR15 1AU
• Mount Hawke surgery, Short Cross Road, TR4 8UE
• St Clare medical centre, St Clare Street, Penzance. TR18 3DX
• Reeds Pharmacy, Frances Street, Truro. TR1 3DP
You can find details of appointment times on the NHS website.
Bookable booster appointments are also available from Tintagel medical centre, Bossinney Road, from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Wednesday 22nd December.
A walk-in clinic will be available at Camborne RFC on Monday 27th December from 2 to 4pm for first, second and booster doses. No need to book, just turn up.
Officials say GPs, nurses and pharmacists continue to be busy vaccinating people, giving up their evenings and weekends, and running clinics alongside their other routine NHS work.
Nearly 10% of people are failing to attend their vaccination appointments, so people are being asked to cancel any booked appointments that are no longer needed to free it up for someone else.
Demand for vaccinations is high, so please are also being urged to be patient and be kind to the NHS staff who are working hard to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.
The team at Mount Hawke surgery went above and beyond last weekend to vaccinate 842 people.
Dr Rob White said: “There was a huge demand last weekend, with a huge queue of people wanting to get vaccinated before Christmas. We saw 389 people on Saturday, but smashed that on Sunday by vaccinating 453 people in 6 hours – a real achievement.
"Thank you to everyone who waited patiently to be seen, and to my incredible team who worked late to make sure anyone who turned up was seen, including several people who came for their first dose".
The surgery is vaccinating today (Wednesday 22nd) until 2pm for bookable appointments and walk-ins.
Staff from Three Spires and Lander medical practices also offered 7 000 appointments since last Tuesday in a drive to protect people living in and around Truro.
The surgery’s next clinic will be on Saturday 8th January and patients will be contacted by text with details of how to book an appointment.
More clinics and pop-ups are opening every day, so people are being asked to keep checking the NHS Kernow and the NHS grab a jab websites for details of local clinics.