The NHS in Gloucestershire is reassuring people who are eligible for a COVID booster that they will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book in for their vaccination when the time is right, there is no need for them to contact their GP surgery at this time.
This comes as the government has confirmed an expansion to the COVID-19 vaccination programme, with people aged 40-49 eligible for a booster jab and second doses being offered to 16 and 17 year olds.
The bulk of vaccinations will continue to be provided by appointment through the GP led primary care network community vaccination centres across the county, in addition to 8 community pharmacies.
People aged 40-49 will be eligible for a booster vaccination from six months (26 weeks) after their second dose. They will be invited by local NHS services to book an appointment when the time is right.
Young people aged 16 or 17 will be able to get a second dose of the vaccine 12 weeks after their first. They will be invited by local NHS services to book an appointment, or they may attend a drop-in clinic across the county. Dates are added regularly and are published on the Gloucestershire NHS COVID portal.
People can also choose to arrange their vaccination by appointment at a community pharmacy through the national booking system (NBS) telephone number and website (www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119).
Dr Andy Seymour, Clinical Chair, NHS Gloucestershire CCG
“Due to the fantastic work of local vaccination teams and the great response from local people, uptake for boosters has got off to a good start, but as we head into the winter months, it’s more important than ever that we all take steps to protect ourselves. This includes taking up the offer of a COVID vaccination if you’re eligible for a booster or still in need of a first or second dose.
We want to reassure residents that they will be able to have their vaccination in Gloucestershire. The good news is that it’s really easy to book your appointment at a GP-led vaccination site when you get an invite or at a local community pharmacy through the national booking line or website. Please also look out for the drop-in clinic opportunities.”
Adults should not attend for a vaccination if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had a positive Lateral Flow or PCR test within the last 4 weeks. Please note, new guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 17 November 2021 advises that children under the age of 18 should wait until at least 12 weeks after a positive Lateral Flow or PCR test.