Is it an emergency?
Posted on
in Ipswich and East Suffolk News, North East Essex News, West Suffolk News
People aged 50 and over will soon be eligible to receive an autumn COVID booster vaccination.
From Friday (October 14) the National Booking System will open for booked appointments and from Saturday (October 15) people aged 50+ can go to any of the many walk-in clinics taking place across Suffolk and north east Essex.
Already 173,000 autumn booster vaccines have been administered locally.
This wider rollout will further help prevent the risk of serious illness among our family and friends and in the community, reduce the number of COVID-related hospital admissions and protect our very busy health services over the coming winter months.
Flu vaccinations will also be offered to those eligible where available.
Booked appointments are available at many different locations including pharmacies, GP practices, vaccination centres and some hospital sites and can be made online or by calling 119.
The locations and opening times of walk-in clinics can be found on the local vaccination website, and this website is updated daily.
Anyone with questions or concerns about COVID vaccination can call the local helpline on 0344 257 3961 to speak with a trusted advisor – the helpline is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Dr Richard West, who is clinical lead for the COVID vaccination rollout across Suffolk and north east Essex, said: “We know that the vaccines have saved thousands of lives so I hope everyone eligible will take the opportunity to get themselves protected.
“Over the last few months the COVID virus has had a much-reduced impact on our lives, with lower levels of infection. Unfortunately, as we head into winter, that’s not now the case. Levels of infection have increased substantially as the protection offered by previous doses of the vaccine wanes and we now have colder weather.
“So, take up the offer and encourage anyone you know who is eligible to book their appointment or visit a walk-in clinic.”
Those eligible are:
- all adults aged 50 years and over
- those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
- those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- those aged 16 to 49 years who are carers
- residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers