The NHS is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up Covid jab to come forward and get protected before the end of June.
Figures show that more than half a million people in the South West have taken up the offer since April when the spring campaign was launched, including nearly two-thirds of care home residents in the region.
Around 884,000 people in the South West region are eligible for a spring Covid-19 vaccination, including anyone aged 75 or over by 30th June, along with older adult care home residents and people with a weakened immune system aged six months and over.
For the first time, joint bookings can be made for those who use the online booking system or NHS 119 to get their jab.
If anyone wants to get their vaccine at the same time as a loved one and they are both eligible and over 18, only one appointment will need to be made.
Depending on the vaccination site, those who have booked a joint appointment may be vaccinated at the same time or may have back-to-back slots.
From now until 30th June, there are thousands of appointments available every day across the country, including at pharmacies and GP practices.
Some areas also offer walk-in options, with a full list of walk-in sites available online.
Covid-19 can still cause severe illness and hospitalisations in some cases, particularly among those most at risk. The vaccine is said to give the best protection against the virus and its different variants and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.
Dr Matthew Dominey, the South West regional screening and immunisation lead, said: “We’re really proud of the fact we have one of the best take-up rates in the country with over half a million people into the South West, and nearly two-thirds of our care home residents, coming forward to get their all-important Covid-19 vaccination.”
If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or flu, you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially those who are more vulnerable. If you do need to leave home, consider wearing a mask.
