NHS set to roll out COVID booster jabs
The NHS across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) is set for the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme - the largest and fastest vaccine drive in health service history.
Due to start during the week of 5 September, NHS staff will begin vaccinating care home residents, care home staff and people who are housebound.
The National Booking Service will also open next week ahead of the wider rollout, due to start on 12 September, with the NHS inviting those who are most susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19 and those aged 75 and over to book an appointment from that week.
As with previous campaigns, the oldest and most vulnerable people in the community will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or by calling 119 - as long as it has been three months since their last dose. Some GP practices will also contact their registered patients directly to invite them to a local vaccination site.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has issued guidance on the groups of people who should be offered the autumn booster jab. Details can be found on the Government website
More than four million jabs have already been given in the BOB area since the start of the vaccination programme in December 2020 via a network of centres comprising GP-practices, community pharmacies, large vaccination centres, hospital sites, pop-up clinics, a mobile service (Health on the Move), and a schools’ programme for children aged 12 and over.
As a result of hard work and commitment from NHS professionals and an army of volunteers, the BOB area has consistently been among the highest performers across England in terms of vaccination uptake and outreach.
Debbie Simmons, BOB Integrated Care Board interim chief nursing officer, said: "The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to get an autumn booster. We would strongly encourage anyone who is invited and eligible for the jab to get one as quickly as possible - it will give you the best protection against COVID this winter.
“We know our GPs and community pharmacies have been integral to the success of the NHS vaccination programme due to their locations and relationships with local communities, and so it is fantastic that so many have opted to be part of the latest phase of the campaign.”