Covid Boosters Posted on 30 Nov 2021

COVID-19 booster vaccine

Dear patient

The coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine programme is continuing to be rolled out across the country.

A booster dose helps improve the protection you have from your first two doses of the vaccine and gives you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

You'll be offered a booster dose no earlier than 6 months after you had your 2nd dose. The NHS knows who is eligible and will invite you to book your booster vaccination programme when it is your turn. You’ll be able to book an appointment at a vaccination centre of your choice. This could be a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or at your GP surgery.

Those currently eligible to receive a booster dose includes:

• people aged 50 and over
• people who live and work in care homes
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• people who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
• people who work for an NHS trust or a care home will usually get their booster dose through their employer – but they can book via the national booking system by self-declaring as a member of health and social care staff.

If you or your family member is housebound then specific arrangements will be made to make sure you receive the booster vaccination at home. It can take longer for the home visiting team to visit everyone on their list so please be patient.  There is no need to contact the practice.

If you have not yet been contacted to book your booster dose then please do not worry. You will be invited to do so as soon as possible. You do not need to contact your local GP or any other NHS service at this stage.

The NHS has initially been prioritising boosters for those most at risk, such as care and nursing home residents. Over the coming weeks more and more people, including housebound individuals, will be invited to book an appointment for the booster dose.

In the meantime, if you know you are eligible and would prefer not to wait then you can book an appointment via the national booking system online.

Further information about COVID-19 vaccines is available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine