Surrey Heartland GPs begin offering Covid-19 booster jabs
Those eligible will start to be invited to have a third vaccine
GP surgeries in several parts of Surrey have started to offer covid-19 booster vaccines.
Doctors within the Surrey Heartlands Clinical Commissioning Group will now invite those eligible to have their third dose.
The CCG covers several borough and districts: Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking.
GPs will now invite eligible people, who had their second Covid-19 jab at least six months ago, for a top up vaccination to boost protection against Covid-19.
Eligible people include:
• People aged 50 and over
• People who live and work in care homes
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• Carers aged 16 and over
• People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• People who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose
The NHS will be in touch with people when they become eligible for the jab, and it is expected they will deliver around 4.5 million vaccinations over the coming weeks and months.
The booster programme will be delivered through existing vaccination sites including pharmacies, hospital hubs, GP practices and vaccine centres.
Local NHS areas will be prioritising care home residents and staff ensuring they are offered a vaccine by the beginning of November.
Dr. Charlotte Canniff, Clinical Chair of Surrey Heartlands Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“GPs, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers and other primary care staff across Surrey have been preparing to deliver the latest vaccine in our efforts to protect people against coronavirus.
“The coming months will be vital and by managing the roll out of the booster vaccinations to our local community in safe and convenient settings, we are helping to keep vulnerable people safe.
“When you are invited for your booster vaccine, I would urge you to take up the offer. Until then, please be patient and don’t contact your GP practice or any other vaccination site to seek a vaccine.”