Covid booster jabs rolled out across Harrogate and the Dales from today
Those who had their second jab more than six months ago will be eligible first
From today, people across Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales will be able to get their covid booster jabs.
Anyone who had their second dose of the vaccine more than six months ago will soon be contacted by their GP or the national booking service to schedule their third appointment.
Those in the most at risk groups and those over the age of 50 will be called up first.
Settle GP and Clinical Director at the Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Alliance, Dr Hilary Moakes, said it's "come at a good time".
She added: "From studies they've there is a waning of immunity after about six months and so people are then more vulnerable to catching covid again and of course becoming more seriously ill with covid.
"When we're doing the flu vaccinations, which is also quite a concerning illness, we'll hopefully be able to combine them to some extent so when you book your flu jab you can also get your covid booster at the same time.
It was decided that third doses of the jab would be given to the most vulnerable to protect them from the virus and to give the NHS the best possibility of coping with winter demands.
Dr Moakes, added: "It's to protect those intensive care beds for people needing cancer surgeries, major trauma surgeries. So that way the beds aren't full with people with covid and hopefully the effects and symptoms will be much milder than if you'd had two doses."
But research is being done to determine whether a covid booster will be offered yearly as we approach the winter months.
This is done with the flu vaccine every year.
Dr Moakes, said: "They're still really closely looking at the evidence and reassessing it. It's a possibility for the most vulnerable people and the elderly but it's still very much being looked at".