16 and 17 year olds in Wiltshire urged to come forward for Covid booster in Wiltshire
Everyone over the age 16 can now get one
People aged 16 and 17 across Wiltshire can now get their Covid booster, if they've had their first and second dose.
Previously all adults over 18 could get one, but it's now been extended to reach older teenagers.
Local vaccination sites, including Salisbury City Hall, are offering them.
Booster vaccines cannot be given until three months have passed since the date of a person’s second jab, however appointments for the top-up dose can be booked in advance after two months.
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG said:
“Age gives young people a natural advantage against Covid-19, but it does not stop them from passing on the virus to their family and friends, many of whom could be older and much more susceptible to becoming seriously unwell.
“Having the Covid-19 booster vaccine is a proven way to not only stay healthy, but also to limit the spread of coronavirus, and with many of our vaccination sites now open to walk-ins, getting the jab has never been easier.
“We’ve given out almost 2.1 million vaccines over the last 12 months and, although local cases of Covid-19 remain high, the number of people becoming very ill or worse, is much lower than where we have previously been, with much of that success a result of our terrific vaccination effort.”
Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, around 75 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds have received their first vaccine, with just under half having had a second.
As well as walking in to one of the region’s many vaccination sites, people can still secure a vaccine appointment using the National Booking Service, which is available online at www.nhs.uk.