Next week is start of jabs

NEXT week sees the start of the spring Covid-19 vaccination programme across Staffordshire.

The national online and telephone booking service is open for appointments on the NHS website or by dialling 119.

This allows people eligible for Covid-19 vaccination to secure their vaccination appointment from April 22 to June 30.

The programme will kick off by prioritising residents in older adult care homes. Following this, the vaccination offer will be extended to adults aged 75 and over, as well as individuals aged 6 months and over who have a weaker immune system.

These groups will be contacted directly by their GP or they can enquire at their local pharmacy.

Vaccines will be available at 109 vaccination sites across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. These include 85 pharmacies.

Matthew Missen, a Public Health Consultant with Staffordshire ICB, said: “Sadly we still see people needing admission to hospital due to Covid-19 causing serious illness.

“This year’s programme aims to protect those most at risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalisation, and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to make sure they are protected with a vaccine.

“The programme marks another crucial step in our collective efforts to fight the spread of the virus and continue protecting those most at risk of serious illness caused by Covid-19.”