Vulnerable urged to take up booster jab invites
CORONAVIRUS restrictions may have been removed, but cases – and now hospitalisations – are rising across the UK.
Experts and the Government have been working to improve uptake of vaccinations and assure people that the vaccine is tested, safe, and effective, and provides good, long-lasting protection against severe disease.
However, that protection does decrease over time, which is why it’s important to get boosted. Now, fourth jabs are being rolled out.
Fourth jabs already launched in January for immunocompromised people, which included people with some medical conditions and those on certain medical treatments. Now, the process is expanding to include everyone aged 75 and over, as well as anyone who lives in a care home for the elderly.
Anyone aged 12 or over who has a weakened immune system can still get the fourth jab. Many such people will have had their third jab over six months ago, meaning this is the prime time to get an immunity top-up.
Dr Geeta Iyer, clinical director for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Bristol, North Somerset,
and Gloucestershire, said: “We want to make sure that everyone who is at greatest risk from Covid infection is able to access the spring booster.
“Covid is very active in our area at the moment and infection levels are high.
“Vaccination works and I’d like to encourage everyone who is eligible for a booster this spring to take up the invitation when they receive it offer to help protect them over the coming months.
“I’d also like to remind everyone that it’s not too late to come forward for your first, second or first booster doses. Information about all the ways you can have your covid vaccinations in our area can be found at grabajab.net.”
Eligible individuals will be contacted by either the NHS centrally or by their GP.
You’ll need to wait until at least three months have passed since your third jab, and at least one month since a positive test.