Final Call for your Covid Booster
Anyone who hasn’t had their COVID booster is being urged to do so now, before the current scheme ends on Sunday 12 February.
More than 3.7 million COVID vaccination doses have been delivered in Hertfordshire since vaccinations began in December 2020, with 63% of eligible residents getting the additional protection offered to them by the latest booster. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has now advised that thanks to the success of the programme, Sunday 12 February will be the last chance for children and adults who have been invited for a COVID booster to take up their offer. After this date, a more targeted offer will be made to anyone considered to be at risk of serious illness.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board said: ‘The COVID vaccination programme has been hugely successful. My thanks go to everyone who came forward to protect themselves, their loved ones and those they care for. We’re now into the final stretch of this booster campaign and I would urge anyone eligible who hasn’t had their COVID booster to book an appointment at a pharmacy now and make the most of the offer while they can. Flu and COVID have both resulted in very serious illnesses this winter, so top up your immunity now and get protected.’
Over 450,000 COVID autumn boosters have been given to residents since September. Over the next two weeks, the local NHS will be using digital advertising vans to remind residents in Harlow, Broxbourne, Watford and Borehamwood, where take-up has been lower, to come forward for their boosters. Other innovations which have encouraged people to come forward for their vaccinations have included:
- mini health and wellbeing checks alongside your vaccination
- haircuts and dental check-ups for homeless adults
- drop-in sessions at churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples
- drive-up vaccination clinics in supermarket car parks.
Further guidance on who will be eligible for COVID vaccines in future phases of the vaccination programme will be announced in the months to come.
A smaller scale vaccine offer will continue to operate from mid-February onwards to ensure those who haven’t yet had their first and second doses can still get their jabs.
For COVID-19 vaccinations
People can book online or search for local pharmacies offering walk-in vaccinations using their postcode via NHS.UK or call 119. You can also speak with your local pharmacist or GP directly to see if they offer this service.
People who are eligible for autumn COVID-19 boosters until 12 February (if it has been at least three months since a previous dose):
- all adults aged 50 and over
- those aged 5 to 49 in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
- those age 5 to 49 who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- those aged 15 to 49 who are carers
- residents in care homes for older adults and staff
- frontline health and social care workers
To check if you are eligible: hertsandwestessexics.org.uk/covid-19