450,000 people in Dorset eligible for Covid booster jab

22,000 have already had one ready for the winter

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 29th Sep 2022
Last updated 30th Sep 2022

Health bosses in Dorset say 450,000 in the county are eligible to get a Covid-19 booster jab this autumn.

They've said there's been a 'great' take-up already, with 22,000 people having received the vaccine since the start of September.

Dorset NHS is now encouraging others to come forward for their jabs, when called.

Those eligible in Dorset include:

  • Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • All adults aged 50 years and over
  • People aged 5-49 years in a clinical risk group
  • People aged 5-49 who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
  • People aged 16-49 years who are carers

Ravin Ramtohal, lead GP for the vaccination programme across Dorset said:

“Getting your COVID and flu vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe this winter.

“Anyone who is invited to take up both an autumn booster and flu jab, is encouraged to do so as soon as you can to give maximum protection.”

Nearly everyone in Dorset lives within 20 miles of a vaccination site, according to the NHS.

We're told this winter will be the first time we see the real effects of both Covid and flu in full circulation, following previous winters of lockdowns and social distancing.

Some vaccine sites may be able to offer both flu jabs and Covid boosters in one visit.

There's more information on booking a booster in Dorset on the local NHS website. |newtab)

You can also book via the National Booking System or by calling 119.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.