Bristol City Council is urging those under 50 who have yet to book a Covid booster to do so quickly, as there is less than a week left before the dose is no longer available. The NHS has revealed that there are hundreds of thousands of appointments still available before the offer ends on February 12.
Sunday will be the final day that 16 to 49-year-olds who are not considered at risk will be able to get a booster (for most people, the third dose of the vaccine) following updated Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, which recommended the offer ends in line with the current campaign.
Instead, the JCVI is recommending a switch to a more targeted approach for those considered to be at risk of serious illness, as with the autumn booster campaign, which also concludes this Sunday. It has already been suggested that there should be another autumn vaccination campaign later this year, as well as a potential spring campaign for the most vulnerable.
Read More: Bristol nurses go on strike in the biggest ever round of NHS walkouts
The NHS Covid vaccination programme will continue to run a smaller operation after February 12, allowing those yet to come forward for first, second or third doses if severely immunosuppressed to book appointments. Those hoping to book an appointment can do so here or at your local pharmacy or GP.
Nationally 15,000 people have booked in for their vaccine next week, but there are still 391,000 appointments up for grabs before the programme scales down.
More than 17.3 million people have so far come forward for a booster throughout this winter, with a total of 144.5 million doses of the vaccine since Maggie Keenan became the first in the world to receive an approved jab.
Speaking about the upcoming deadline, NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “There is just one week left of the autumn booster campaign, and so if you are eligible for a booster but have yet to take up your latest dose, please do so before the end of next week.
“Whether you have had previous doses or a bout of Covid, we know that a booster is the best way to maintain protection against serious illness for yourself and your loved ones, so please do make the most of the offer while it is available and give yourself both protection and peace of mind for the year ahead.
“NHS staff have worked really hard to deliver a combined 38 million flu and Covid doses this winter amid record pressures on emergency services, providing crucial protection and keeping thousands out of the hospital, and they will be ready to stand up future campaigns with the same dedication and determination once new guidance is set out.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay added: "With just one week to go, I want to encourage anyone who hasn’t had their first booster or, if you’re eligible, an autumn booster, to come forward before next Sunday. Our hardworking NHS staff and volunteers have done an incredible job getting jabs into arms, and they’re on hand to top up your immunity and keep you and your loved ones protected.”
Read More:
- Bristol teen waiting for heart surgery 'traumatised' by repeat cancellations, say parents
- Families 'in tears' after Bristol children's hospital heart surgery cancellations
- Everyone can now get a free flu jab
- Dad concerned for baby's health living in mouldy, mouse-infested flat
- Disabled man says delayed care bill is making his ‘health worse’
