Cov volunteers needed for Covid booster roll-out

COVENTRY faces a shortage of volunteers to help with the roll-out of Covid-19 booster jabs.

The Royal Voluntary Service said that several centres were reporting a shortage of volunteers with Coventry needing 100 extra people.

Volunteers play a vital role and are needed to support NHS staff with non-clinical tasks.

It is not just a shortage locally; thousands of shifts a week need filling nationwide according to Sam Ward, deputy chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service.

“We’re trying to fill about 7,000 shifts a week across England and at the moment there’s 30,000 shift requirements in the system just taking us to Christmas and that’s increasing every day,” she told the BBC.

“So people are busy. It’s a really flexible role, it’s a sociable role and people can just give whatever time they have got.”

People aged 50 and over in Coventry and Warwickshire are now able to book autumn boosters and flu jabs online and over the phone. Dr Sukhi Dhesi, from the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Thanks to the incredible work of all our staff, the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Coventry and Warwickshire is going from strength to strength and our system continues to be one of the top performing in England.

“We are asking everyone who is eligible for the Covid19 booster and flu vaccination to book their appointments as we are approaching a very challenging winter for the NHS.

“Vaccinations are our strongest weapon against these viruses and so if you are between 50 and 64, log on and book your appointment.”