Time running out to get your spring Covid booster, medical chief warns

A last chance to take the vaccination is being offered to people who are most vulnerable.

Those who are being prioritised include the over-75s, those aged five and over with a reduced immune system and older adult care home residents, with jabs being available until June 30.

NHS South Yorkshire executive place director, Anthony Fitzgerald, said: “We have been working accross the whole of South Yorkshire to deliver the covid vaccine to those at risk from severe illness.”

Residents have been contacted by the NHS as a reminder to go and get their jabs locally, with the majority of appointments being delivered in communities by pharmacies and GPs.

There have already been 1.25 million invites issued by the NHS, with a further one million being asked to book an appointment this week.

Those who are still to have their first or second jabs are urged to to step forward before the NHS divert their attention to those at an increased risk.

NHS South Yorkshire’s chief medical officer, Dr David Crichton, said: “Unfortunately, the virus is still affecting thousands of people accross the UK every week.

“Vaccinations are the best form of protection that you can have to prevent those most at risk from becoming seriously ill.”

The health service have administered more than 144.5 million covid jabs since the year 2020.

Anyone who believes that they are eligible for a vaccine can check online, others may want to self-declare via the National Booking Service where they can speak to a clinican on site.

All members of the public must ensure that their next appointment takes place at least three months after their last dosage.

Anyone who is turning 75  years old before the end of June is eligible.

To book an appointment, visit nhs.uk/covid/vaccination or call 119 for free.