NHS opens up Covid-19 booster bookings to over 18s in Essex
Only those who received their second Covid-19 vaccine dose at least three months ago can take up the offer of the booster jab
From today, anyone over the age of 18 in England who received their second Covid-19 vaccine shot more than three months ago can book an appointment for a booster on the NHS website.
Although there are concerns over the effectiveness of current vaccines against the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 vaccine, there is consensus that a booster shot will offer a greater degree of protection from adverse illness than otherwise.
It is for this reason that the Government has set itself a target of providing everyone eligible with a booster jab by the end of the month.
Dr Mike Gogarty is the Director of Public Health in Essex: "Booster vaccinations are our most important defence against the emergence of the Omicron variant. A booster is not a ‘top up’, it is a huge increase in your ability to fight the virus. We know the level of immunoglobulin, the substance that provides immunity by attacking the virus, increases up to 40-fold following a booster.
“Increasing our immunity this winter is incredibly important to minimise the pressure the health service is under and I would urge everyone to come forward to book their booster jab as soon as possible.”
Appointments for the booster vaccine can be booked online through the NHS website. There are numerous large vaccination sites in the county.
There are also walk-in appointments available at a range of sites including: Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon, Clacton, Southend and other towns across Essex.
For the latest on availability and opening times of vaccination centres in Essex, check your local CCG website.