The NHS has urged Lancashire care home residents, people aged 75 and over and the immunosuppressed aged 12 and over to get their booster jabs this spring.
AdvertisementUnder new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme has today (Monday 21 March) invited thousands of eligible residents to come forward for their fourth dose, around six months after the booster jab.
Preston residents should book their appointment through the national booking service, call 119 or walk into any vaccine site.
Read more: St Catherine’s Hospice secures research partnership with top Lancashire academics
Jane Scattergood, lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “The NHS continues to protect the most vulnerable from the virus as the programme begins today.
“With Covid-19 still circulating, I’d like to encourage everyone eligible to come forward and make sure your protection is topped up.
“Anyone over 75 can come forward around six months since their last vaccination and book online, walk into one of our centres or call us to request a vaccine at home –
“We continue to welcome people of any age who have never had a vaccine or still need their second dose.”
Read more: Apprentice who did placement at Royal Preston Hospital becomes registered nurse
From today (Monday 21 March), local NHS teams will also hold vaccine clinics in care homes, with more visits planned in the coming weeks.
Local NHS teams, hundreds of pharmacies and hospital hubs will continue delivering vaccinations.
Around 5.2 million people can receive a spring dose under the NHS campaign, with a reduced figure eligible from this week.
Read more: Lancashire County Council urges vigilance as Covid infections surge
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) research estimates booster doses prevented around 157,000 hospitalisations since mid-December.
Adults will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with any eligible people aged between 12 and 18 receiving Pfizer.
Anyone unable to use any of the usual options will be able to book a vaccine at home by calling 0300 790 6856 between 10am and 8pm daily.
Read more: Blind Preston man tells of how new course helped ‘lift his mood’
For more information, visit – healthierlsc.co.uk
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines