Covid-19 booster programme protects more than quarter of a million vulnerable people

More than 250,000 people across Derby and Derbyshire who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 have already had their immunity boosted ahead of winter, thanks to a strong start to the roll-out of the autumn booster.

The NHS Covid-19 autumn booster vaccination programme started in September and people aged 50 and over, the severely immunosuppressed and frontline health and care workers are being urged to get vaccinated without delay ahead of a potential ‘twindemic’ of Covid-19 and flu this winter.

Everyone who takes up the booster vaccine this autumn will increase their protection ahead of the winter months when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.

Vaccination against Covid-19 remains our best defence against becoming unwell. Cases of Covid-19 are rising in the community with latest figures showing that there are over 200 patients with Covid-19 in the county’s hospitals (as of data from 19 October).

Dr Steve Lloyd, who is the Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in Derbyshire, said: “With Covid-19 cases already on the rise across our city and county, both in the community and in our hospitals, we are pleased to see so many people coming forward to get themselves protected and helping to protect others around them.

“Our frontline colleagues are working hard to ensure that everyone eligible gets protected quickly and conveniently. If you’re over the age of 50, are pregnant, have a condition that puts you at risk from Covid-19, are a carer or a health and social care worker, we urge you to book both your Covid-19 booster and flu jab as soon as possible as we head into what could be a challenging winter for the NHS.

“This year, we have made it more convenient than ever to get your booster with more than 60 sites across the county – mainly community pharmacies and GP premises. You can find your nearest site and book online or by calling 119.”