Get your COVID-19 booster before it’s too late

Clinicians across Suffolk and north east Essex are urging people to get their COVID-19 booster jabs before it’s too late.

Those eligible for a booster vaccination have until Sunday 12 February to receive it, before the current national NHS vaccination campaign ends.

The February date will be the last chance for people to get a Covid booster unless future campaigns are agreed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Government.

Around 400,000 people across the area have had their booster since it began in September 2022.

Dr Andrew Kelso, Medical Director of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “I want to remind and encourage all eligible people who have not yet come forward for their booster vaccination to do so.

“Receiving the booster jab will increase your immunity against the virus and keep you and your loved ones protected.”

Dr Kelso added: “Coronavirus still exists and remains dangerous and life-threatening for some, especially older people and younger people with long-term health conditions.”

People can book their latest COVID-19 dose through the Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or by calling 119. 

You can also get a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a walk-in site without an appointment. People can find their nearest walk-in sites on the Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or by visiting www.sneevaccine.org.uk

You can have a seasonal booster dose (autumn booster) if you are:

• aged 50 or over
• pregnant
• aged 5 and over and at high risk due to a health condition
• aged 5 and over and at high risk because of a weakened immune system
• aged 5 and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
• living or working in a care home for older people
• a frontline health and social care worker

You can get your seasonal booster (autumn booster) if it’s been at least 3 months (91 days) since you had your previous dose.

From 13^th February, people are encouraged to come forward if they are eligible for a 1^st or 2^nd dose.  This includes individuals who are:

• 18 years or over
• 13 – 17 years or aged 12 in academic Year 8
• 5 – 11 years , or aged 12 in academic Year 7.  For people who are not in a risk group, this one off offer only applies to people who turned 5 by 31 August 2022.

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