GPS tell patients to get ready for Covid boosters
As soon as we have the information we will be in touch and appreciate your support in attending these appointments Fairfield Park Health Centre
Doctors in Bath have told people to prepare to have their flu and coronavirus jabs and to get ready to book appointments.
Patients from Fairfield Park Health Centre in Claremont have been sent a text message this month telling them to get ready to make appointments for both the flu vaccine and Covid booster.
Doctors around the country are awaiting direction from central Government to see if both jabs can be given together.
The text message said: “We are currently awaiting on NHS England for some final information before we can add our flu and Covid booster appointments and invite you to book.
“As soon as we have the information we will be in touch and appreciate your support in attending these appointments.”
A statement on the surgery’s website said: “We are waiting on NHS England to finalise requirements (including whether flu vaccines can be given at the same time as a Covid booster).
“We will then be able to set up clinics and contact eligible patients to book.
“Your support attending these clinics is appreciated.”
A member of staff said it was likely both jabs will be given at the same time to older and vulnerable people as early as September.
Most people in Bath received their original Covid jabs at the dedicated vaccination centres either at Bath Racecourse or the Pavilion, and not at their GP surgery.
But it looks like the booster jabs will be given at doctors’ surgeries around the city.
The emphasis seems to be on making sure people take up the offer and go ahead and book appointments.
It is thought the booster jab will then roll out to younger people once older and vulnerable people have been fully vaccinated.
It is hoped the booster will further protect people from the virus in the winter months when the Royal United Hospital sees admissions soar even without coronavirus.
Doctors hope people in Bath will take up the invitation to book their third jab and there will be a big uptake in the city as the fight against the pandemic continues in the winter months.