COVID-19 vaccine: GP slams government over messaging
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Those who were more likely to die or become seriously ill from the coronavirus were offered their first dose almost a year ago, so their protection from the vaccine has declined the most. They can now access the third jab for free on the NHS. More than eight million people have now received a booster coronavirus jab from the NHS – with 820,000 of these given in the last four days.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “More than eight million people across the UK now have the vital protection boosters provide, keeping them and their loved ones safe over the coming months.
“It’s never been easier to get your booster with walk-in sites across the country now open for those eligible – if it’s been six months since your second dose, get your booster as soon as you can.”
Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup added: “With over 820,000 boosters administered over the weekend, the programme continues at pace, now providing over eight million vulnerable people with protection.
“I encourage everyone eligible to get their booster and flu jab as soon as possible to keep them safe over the winter period.”
READ MORE: Covid: You can get your booster jab without an appointment now
Am I eligible to get a booster jab?
The following groups are eligible for a booster COVID-19 jab:
All those over 50
The extremely clinically vulnerable and those they live with
NHS and social care workers
Care home residents
You are eligible for your third round of a coronavirus vaccine if you are in one of the vulnerable categories, and it has been at least six months since your second dose.
The NHS is writing to all those who are eligible, but some of these may fall through the cracks.
NHS England has said it aims to contact everyone who is eligible six months and one week (189 days) since their second dose at the latest.
If you have recently contracted COVID-19, you will need to wait four weeks before booking a booster jab.
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What if I haven’t been contacted?
If you believe you are eligible and have not been contacted within a week of reaching six months since your second jab, you can call 119, book online or walk into various sites across the country.
Everyone in the first booster rollout will be offered a third dose of Pfizer as a priority, regardless of which vaccine they had for the first two jabs.
This means someone who had an AstraZeneca vaccine for doses one and two, may be given a different one for their third.
Initially, mixing vaccines was not advised by the JCVI, but trials have shown the Pfizer vaccine is the most effective when used as a third dose.
It has been found to be 95.6 percent effective at preventing someone from becoming seriously ill from coronavirus.
If you cannot have mRNA vaccine due to allergies or other health issues, you will be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine.
If you are feeling ill on the day you are due to be given your vaccine, you should cancel the appointment and rearrange.
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