The vaccination booster programme is now underway across Norfolk and Waveney with a third Covid 19 vaccine being offered to eligible patient groups in line with national guidance.
Priority for third doses is being given to those who are immunosuppressed or identified on patient records as being Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, as these patients are less likely to have retained anti-bodies from their first vaccines. Hospital consultants and local GPs are working closely together to ensure that these very vulnerable patients are contacted as soon as possible to make an appointment for their third vaccine.
We know there are a number of very vulnerable patients who are understandably very keen to get their third vaccine, not only for the additional protection, but also for their peace of mind. Please be assured that we are working as fast as we can to make sure those most at risk of Covid 19 are contacted first. This means drawing on both hospital patient lists and GP patient lists. This work is ongoing, and patients should be hearing from the local NHS in the coming days and weeks to get booked in.
This continues to be the largest and most complex vaccination programme the NHS has ever delivered, but everyone eligible who needs a third dose will get one.
The following groups are among the first eligible patients for a booster vaccine:
- people aged 50 and over
- people who live and work in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid 19
- carers aged 16 and over
- people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
These individuals will be contacted by the NHS or us and offered a booster (third) dose of the Covid 19 vaccine, in the same patient group order as the initial vaccination programme roll out.
It is vital that anyone eligible for a booster waits to be contacted to make an appointment.
The national booking system is now open and able to take bookings from eligible people (see below). We continue to be incredibly busy, and keeping our phone lines open for patients to make appointments with a doctor or practice nurse is crucial.
Please do not telephone us asking when you will get your booster – you will be contacted when it’s your turn.
If you are eligible for a booster, please do not attend any existing walk-in vaccination clinics. These are still focused on vaccinating remaining people with first and second doses and cannot currently provide third (booster) jabs.
If you have been invited for a booster, you can book online here: www.nhs.uk/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus-Covid 19-vaccine
Booster/Third Dose FAQs
Who is eligible for a Covid 19 booster vaccination?
Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from Covid 19 who have already had 2 doses of a vaccine.
This includes:
- people aged 50 and over
- people who live and work in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid 19
- carers aged 16 and over
- people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
I am eligible, when will I get a booster?
You’ll be offered a booster dose at least 6 months after you had your 2nd dose. Booster vaccinations are being rolled out across Norfolk and Waveney and we are prioritising invitations for people who are extremely vulnerable in the first instance. This is because vulnerable patients are less likely to have retained anti-bodies from their first vaccines and are at high risk of complications should they catch Covid 19.
How can I book a booster vaccination?
The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have a booster dose. It’s important not to contact the NHS or one of our surgeries for one before then.
If you receive an invitation letter from the NHS to book a booster jab, you can book online via the NHS website or by calling 119 and make an appointment at a vaccination site.
If a vaccination site is located too far away or it’s not convenient for you, you can wait for us to invite you for a booster. Please be patient as it will take time for everyone to be invited.
Frontline health and social care workers will be invited to book an appointment through their employer.
Please help us vaccinate and keep the most vulnerable in our communities safe by awaiting your invitation to come for a booster.
I’m extremely vulnerable and would like my jab ASAP, how can I get one quickly?
We are working incredibly hard to invite their most vulnerable patients forward as quickly as possible. In the meantime, whilst you wait, if you receive a letter from the NHS you can book via the national booking system and make an appointment.
For more information about the booster rollout please visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-booster-vaccine.