Eligible groups come forward for Covid-19 booster vaccine

Local people who are most at risk of falling seriously ill from Covid-19 have come forward in their droves for the latest booster vaccine.

All adults aged 75 and over, as well as those over the age of six months and living with a weakened immune system, have been eligible for the free vaccination since the beginning of April.

So far, approximately 47 per cent of all eligible people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire have had the vaccine, which puts the local region ahead of the national average, which currently sits at just 36 per cent.

Having the booster vaccine is seen as the most effective form of protection against Covid-19.

Gill May, Chief Nurse Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Although the height of the pandemic may seem like a distant memory for many, hospitals in our region still find their wards occupied by people who have fallen seriously ill with Covid-19 and need urgent intervention.

“Getting vaccinated is an added layer of protection and ensures that eligible people whose immunity may have dropped can approach the summer months with a renewed confidence regarding their protection against the virus.”

Vaccination appointments are now open for booking and can be arranged either over the phone by calling 119 or online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid.