Wait for Covid booster invite

NHS UPDATE FOR OVER-50S IN HULL

PEOPLE in Hull are being advised to wait to be invited for a Covid booster jab.

Most previous community vaccination sites in the city are now taking part in the booster programme aimed at providing additional protection from the virus.

However, priority is currently being given to care home residents, those who are regarded as being clinically vulnerable, people under 16 with a health condition that puts them at risk and frontline health and social care workers.

People who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

Once they have all been seen, boosters will be offered to anyone who is over 50 years of age.

In a statement, the NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The NHS will let people know when it’s their turn to have a booster dose. It’s important not to contact the NHS for one before then

“People can book their Covid-19 booster vaccine dose online if they are a frontline health or social care worker.

“People can also book their booster dose online if they have been contacted by the NHS and are either aged 50 and over or aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from Covid-19.”

GPS belonging to Hull’s five Primary Care Networks are currently administering booster jabs along with three pharmacies while some extra community pharmacy sites are in the process of being set up.

In addition, some smaller clinics are running at certain GP practices.

The previous mass vaccination centre inside the City Hall has now closed to allow the venue to return to normal but a new centre is expected to open in the city centre next month.

It will offer booster jabs along with first and second dose vaccinations for eligible people who have not yet taken up the offer of a vaccine.

The statement added: “If you are eligible, you will be offered the booster vaccine no earlier than 180 days after you had your second dose. The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have a booster dose. Please do not contact the NHS for one before then.”

Latest Public Health England figures show 73.8 per cent of people aged 12 or over in Hull have so far had their first vaccination while 67.3 per cent have had a second jab. Both take-up rates are well below the national average.

According to the CCG website, there were no available walk-in vaccination clinics today where people can attend without a prior appointment.

However, it said people can still book a slot via the national booking system.

The CCG said: “There was a robust pop-up Grab a Jab programme in Hull during July and August and this was to ensure we captured as many people as possible with the offer of the first and second vaccination.

“Due to high demand for booked booster vaccinations, the availability of walk-in sites within Hull is reduced.

“Some walk-in sites are available in the wider Humber, Coast and Vale area.”