Local vaccination teams have begun administering booster vaccines to those 75 or over, as well as visiting care homes across the region as part of the roll-out of Covid-19 autumn booster programme.
In total, more than 250,000 people in the South Yorkshire region aged 75 or over, are eligible to receive the next-generation Covid-19 vaccine.
From Wednesday 7 September 2022, local vaccination teams will visit 328 care homes in South Yorkshire to deliver autumn booster jabs, with invitations being sent to those who are eligible.
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Office for NHS South Yorkshire, said “Since the first Covid-19 vaccine was given in December 2020 it has saved lives, helped tens of thousands of people stay out of hospital and made it safer for us all to live with the virus.
“Covid-19 is still with us, and people can still become very ill, so it is importance that we encourage all our residents across South Yorkshire who are eligible to come forward for their booster when they are invited by the NHS.”
The NHS will let people know when it is their turn to come forward and, based on expert guidance, is offering the booster vaccination to those at greatest risk first. Once invited, people can book using the National Booking Service, by calling 119, or they can find a local vaccination walk-in site. 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.
Anthony Fitzgerald, Executive Vaccination Lead for NHS South Yorkshire said “We want to ensure all our residents across South Yorkshire to enjoy the best possible physical and mental health possible.
“Having your booster as well as your flu jab, will ensure you continue to have the best protection against Coronavirus through the winter months. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness is to get the newly-approved, next generation Covid vaccine when invited to do so – as well as your annual flu jab – to ensure you have maximum protection. The autumn booster will top up the immunity of those most vulnerable to Covid ahead of winter to help us all continue to live with this virus without restrictions.”