29,000 people across the South West now eligible for spring Covid booster
There are currently over 40 patients with coronavirus being treated in Cornwall's hospitals
Last updated 5th May 2022
More than 29,000 more people across the South West have become eligible to book their Covid spring booster jab.
The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) advised that people aged 75 and over, those who are immunosuppressed and aged 12 and over, and residents in older people’s care homes should be offered another dose of the vaccine 182 days (six months) after their first booster.
Dr Matthew Dominey, Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said: “Across the region more than 50% of the eligible population have already received their Spring booster.
“Immunity against the virus wains over time. JCVI recommended that those who are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, or death from Covid-19 should get another dose of the vaccine to increase their protection against the virus.
“Covid-19 has not gone away. People are still testing positive, so I urge anyone eligible for a Spring booster to book an appointment at the earliest opportunity to ensure they have the highest level of protection possible.”
How to book your spring booster
If you are in the eligible cohort, you can book your Spring booster appointment early so that you can have your top up dose 182 days after your first booster. This can be done by calling 119 or visiting the National Booking System website.
Alternatively, if you are eligible now you can also visit the Grab a Jab website to find a walk in clinic near you.
If you are unsure when you had your first booster dose please check your appointment card, download the NHS app or call NHS 119.
Cornwall's health system is still very busy
As of Thursday (5th May) there were 41 patients with coronavirus being treated in Cornwall's hospitals.
Our health system is still extremely busy and we are being warned that the virus has not gone away.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said on social media: "The NHS is Cornwall is currently very busy and Covid is still with us.
"Unless it is an emergency, please use NHS 111 to get urgent health care and advice.
"NHS staff, patients and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings, unless they are exempt."
Over the bank holiday weekend, another four Covid related deaths were recorded in Cornwall.
The dashboard shows 891 people had died in the area by May 3rd (Tuesday) – up from 887 on Friday.
They were among 10,622 deaths recorded across the South West.
The figures include anyone who died within 28 days of a positive test result for Covid-19, and whose usual residence was in Cornwall.
Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.
Figures reported after a weekend are likely to be lower as a result of a lag in reporting deaths.