NOW in its tenth week, the Covid-19 booster programme in Dorset has seen more than 1.9 million people receive a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine in the south west.
Everyone over the age of 18 years old is now eligible for a booster vaccine, however the NHS booking system is currently only open to over 40s.
Around 30,000 boosters are given every week across Dorset - data shows 254,250 people across the county had received their booster jab or third dose of the coronavirus vaccine by December 7.
Booster doses should be given no sooner than three months after people have had their second dose of an original vaccine – shaving three months off the current six-month wait, according to the JCVI.
READ MORE: New Covid-19 vaccination centre opens in Dorset
Dr Andy Rutland, Dorset GP and clinical lead for the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination programme, previously told The Daily Echo: “We are currently doing some detailed planning as we work through the requirements set out by the government and NHS England.
“It’s a significant undertaking to once more step up our roll-out to the levels we saw at the start of the vaccination programme and one of our biggest challenges is recruiting the right staff.
“We know that some people have struggled to get an appointment locally and we now need to pull out all the stops to expand the service.
“Please be patient while we set everything up – our staff are working incredibly hard and will continue to do their best for the people of Dorset.
The Daily Echo has rounded up everything you currently need to know about getting your booster jab in Dorset:
Who is eligible for a booster vaccine?
All people aged 18 and over are to be offered a Covid-19 booster vaccine as part of efforts to tackle the spread of the new Omicron variant.
However, only those aged 40 and over can currently book via the national booking system in Dorset.
READ MORE: Omicron variant not yet found in Dorset
What does the booster jab do?
Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may begin to wane over time. The booster will help to reduce the risk of you needing admission to hospital due to COVID-19 infection this winter.
The booster extends protection against Covid-19
Protection against severe disease from the first two doses seems to decline very slowly. So don’t worry if your booster vaccine is given a few weeks after the six months time-point. The booster dose should help to extend your protection into the next year.
How can I book my jab?
If you're eligible for a booster jab you no longer have to wait for the NHS to contact you.
You can make an appointment through the NHS online booking site, calling 119 or by visiting a walk-in site, though availability is rare.
I've tried booking my booster, but there's no availability near me - what can I do?
If you are having trouble booking your booster jab, do not be alarmed.
Health officials have also stressed the 'extreme demand' for the booster jabs, so if you are having trouble keep being persistent.
If you are worried, call your GP and ask for their advice.
I'm over 18, why can't I book my jab yet?
Following the latest JCVI guidance the government announced plans to roll out the booster programme to the entire adult population.
However, the NHS must first build a plan to offer this service, alongside first and second doses to all children aged 12 years and older.
This is not available yet - the NHS will announce when the service is available and all over 18s should wait to be notified of their eligibility.
When can I book my booster jab?
As of today, December 8, people over 40 no longer have to wait six months after their second dose to top up their protection.
People aged 40 and over, along with those in high risk groups, will be able to book in for their life-saving Covid booster jab three months after their second dose as the NHS vaccine programme is extended today.
From today, people in their forties can book their top up jab a month advance - two months on from their second dose.
The online booking system for vaccines will be updated this morning and details will be updated on the system throughout the day.
Which Covid-19 vaccine will I get?
Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.
This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your first and second doses.
Some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
Can I have my flu jab and my Covid jab?
Most people who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine right now are also eligible for the annual flu vaccine.
If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.
Every vaccination site in Dorset
PCN sites
- The Blandford Group Practice (Blandford PCN)*
- Beaufort Road Surgery (Bournemouth East Collab)*
- East Way Clinic (Central Bournemouth)*
- Christchurch Medical Practice (Christchurch PCN)*
- Talbot Medical Centre (North Bournemouth PCN)*
- Westbourne Medical Centre (Poole Bay & Bournemouth)*
- Poole Ferry Port -‘North Lounge’ Passenger Terminal (Poole Central PCN)*
- St Leonards Hospital (Wimborne and Ferndown PCN & Crane Valley PCN)*
- Hamworthy Club (Poole North PCN)*
- Wareham Hospital (Purbeck PCN)*
- Digby Hall (Sherborne Area Network)*
- Heatherview Medical Centre (Shore Medical PCN)*
- Marine and Oakridge Surgery (South Coast Medical Group)*
- Sturminster Newton Medical Centre (The Vale PCN)*
- Weymouth Community Hospital (Weymouth and Portland PCN)*
Pharmacies
- Ashley Heath Pharmacy, Ashley Heath**
- Day Lewis, Chickerell/Wessex Pharmacies, Weymouth (delivering from Prayerhouse, DT3 4DT)**
- C & M Chemists, Boscombe (delivering from Iford URC Church, BH7 6RU)**
- Bearwood Avicenna Pharmacy, Bournemouth**
- Bryant Pharmacy, Poole**
- Castle Lane Pharmacy, Bournemouth**
- Colehill Pharmacy, Wimborne**
- Pharmacy2U, Dorchester**
- The Grove Pharmacy, Christchurch**
- Wallisdown Pharmacy, Poole**
- Highcliffe Pharmacy, Christchurch**
- Beaminster Pharmacy, Beaminster (delivering from Beaminster Town Hall, DT8 3EF)**
- Boots Pharmacy, 18-20 Commercial Road, Bournemouth**
- Rowlands Pharmacy, 3 Tolpuddle Gardens, Bournemouth**
- NEW – Well Pharmacy, 24 East Street, Bridport**
Large vaccination centre
- Kings Park Hospital, Bournemouth**
- (Pop-up vaccination centre) Vespasian House, Dorchester**
**book via national booking system
Can I still catch Covid-19 after having the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19. It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.
Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
I haven’t had any Covid-19 vaccine yet - is there still time to book?
There is still time to get your COVID-19 jab. There are many opportunities across Dorset where you can get your vaccine. Go to: nhs.uk/CovidVaccine.
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