More than 250,000 people across South Yorkshire who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 have already had their immunity boosted ahead of winter, thanks to a strong start to the roll-out of the autumn booster programme.
NHS South Yorkshire is encouraging anyone who still needs a COVID booster vaccination to come forward as soon as possible. It is important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid before, as immunity wanes over time and these viruses change each year.
Everyone who takes up the booster vaccine this autumn will increase their protection ahead of the winter months when respiratory viruses are typically at their highest.
The NHS Covid-19 autumn booster vaccination programme was rolled out in September to care homes and housebound patients and is now open to all eligible cohorts in South Yorkshire.
People aged 65 and over, the severely immunosuppressed and frontline health, care workers and pregnant women are being urged to get vaccinated without delay.
Anthony Fitzgerald, Executive Place Director for Doncaster and COVID-19 programme lead said “I’m delighted to announce that over 250, 000 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in South Yorkshire. This is a fantastic achievement with the autumn booster greatly reducing COVID-19 complications and reducing hospital admissions.”
“Coronavirus remains a serious health risk to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and the autumn booster provides the very best protection. Vaccines are safe, effective, and free of charge. I strongly encourage all eligible people to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as they can to help protect themselves and their families this winter”.
Covid-19 remains very dangerous and even life threatening for some, especially older people and younger people with long term health conditions. A booster dose provides longer protection against COVID-19.
The NHS will let people know when it is their turn to come forward. Once invited, people can book using the National Booking Service or by calling 119, Eligible individuals may be offered their Covid booster and a flu jab at the same time, subject to supply, with the doses approved to be co-administered.
