Over one million Covid booster jabs delivered across the South West
The programme launched just over six weeks ago
One million people across Cornwall and the South West have now received their Covid-19 booster vaccination or third dose.
Eligible people have come forward for vital extra protection offered by the booster since the programme launched just over six weeks ago.
Third doses of the coronavirus vaccination are given to immunosuppressed individuals 12 years and over who require the additional dose to reduce the risk of them getting seriously ill.
There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies and GP practices.
All eligible care homes in the region have now hosted a vaccine clinic or have it booked in for the coming weeks, allowing this priority group of people to get their top-up.
Dr Michael Marsh, Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said:
“It is wonderful to see the number of boosters and third doses increasing as we hit another big milestone.
“The booster programme is prioritising the most vulnerable this winter – and so it is vital that anyone who received their second vaccine six months ago come forward as soon as they can”.
Those eligible can now book their appointment five months (152 days) after their second dose. This means that people can pre-book the vaccine for the day they reach the six month milestone.
Iain Davidson, chief pharmacist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), who is helping to facilitate the roll-out of the vaccination programme across the county said: “Our local teams across the county are working extremely hard to vaccinate our eligible population and this includes delivering essential boosters of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to those who had their second jabs over 6 months ago.
“It has been great to see the public come forward in such large numbers to get their booster jabs. They know how important vaccination is to keep themselves and their loved ones safe this winter. People may be able to access their booster jab via their GP in some areas or they can book appointments on the national booking system, which we always recommend where people want to be guaranteed of a slot. There are walk-in offers across the county, but there is potential for longer waits where demand is high. We ask people to be patient, be kind and be understanding with staff.”
On boosters, Iain added: “People become eligible for the booster jab at 6 months after their second dose but will receive a letter or text message at 5 months asking them to book this appointment in advance. I encourage those eligible to book an appointment to give them the peace of mind that their appointment is confirmed. The Cornwall booster programme will be using Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, in line with guidance from NHS England, irrespective of which vaccine you received for your first and second dose. AstraZeneca is available but reserved for those who are not able to have Pfizer or Moderna for medical reasons, such as allergy.”
Across Cornwall there are currently 18 sites you can book your booster appointment at on the national booking system, and some GP practices will be offering bookings to their patients through their local booking system.
To book visit the national booking system website or call 119.
Walk-in sites are also available for those who received their second dose at least six months (182 days) ago. Visit the NHS website to find a walk in clinic.
Clinicians have been identifying patients who need a third primary dose due to immunosuppression. The NHS is also writing to patients who may be eligible, so they can talk through their options with their GP or consultant if they have not done so already.
The patient would then take the letter from their consultant or GP to a walk-in vaccination site. Vaccinators will not be able to administer the vaccine without this letter