COVID-19 booster vaccine now offered in Hertfordshire

People most at risk of COVID-19 in Hertfordshire are urged by the NHS to receive a booster vaccine.

Booster vaccines are offered to people who received their second dose at least six months ago, starting with priority groups which include all adults aged 50 or older, frontline health and social workers, and people over the age of 16 with a learning disability or severe mental disorder. disease and their caregivers.

Priority groups also include adults who live in the same household as people with weakened immune systems, and all people aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of Severe COVID-19 and their adult caregivers.

The NHS says this ‘third phase’ of the vaccination program is very important, as it will boost the immunity levels of vulnerable people before they begin to decline naturally, leaving them at risk of becoming seriously ill in the fall or winter. winter.

More people will be invited for their boosters in the New Year.

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Those eligible will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to get their recall. They will be invited by phone, SMS or mail to be vaccinated either by making an appointment via the national reservation service, or via an invitation to a local service managed by the general practitioner.

Vaccines are now dispensed in five large vaccination centers, by most general practitioner offices, in nursing homes and shelters, and in a growing number of community pharmacies.

New reminder vaccination sites will be added to the national reservation system over the coming days and weeks, giving people more choices as to where to get vaccinated.

General practitioner practices also work with hospital consultants to identify, contact and then vaccinate immunocompromised patients aged 12 and older who urgently need a third primary dose of the vaccine, as well as their household contacts. These high-risk people need only wait at least eight weeks after receiving their second dose of the vaccine, not six months.

Dr Rachel Joyce, director of clinical services for the Hertfordshire and West Essex clinical commissioning groups, said: ‘It is really important that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 get the vaccines they need – qu ‘this is a booster or a third dose to protect them. of the virus before winter, offering longer-term protection to those who need it most.

“Remember, if you haven’t received any doses of the vaccine yet, it’s not too late. Please show up and get vaccinated through the national reservation service, by calling 119 or by asking your GP. The national online reservation system is now open to anyone aged 16 and over, making it easier than ever to get vaccinated.

“If you’re not registered with a general practitioner practice, don’t worry. There are places where anyone can go to claim their walk-in vaccination. Protecting everyone who lives or works in our region is our top priority. “

To find out more about vaccinations in Hertfordshire, including where and when the nearest walk-in clinics are located, visit covid.healthierfuture.org.uk