PEOPLE in Cornwall who are at greatest risk from COVID-19 are being offered Spring boosters from this week.

The additional dose is being offered to adults aged 75 and over, care home residents for older adults, and people aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

With cases across the county rising once again and many of these groups having had their first booster dose 6 months ago, the aim is to help further protect them from the worst effects of the virus and reduce their chances of needing hospital treatment.

The best time to have the spring booster is around 6 months after the previous booster, although the minimum interval is 3 months.

Iain Davidson, chief pharmacist at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and clinical lead for the vaccination programme, said: “Vaccination has been our most effective tool against this virus, and it’s transformed the situation for us since the national roll-out began, but we do know the degree of protection offered by the vaccines wanes over time.

"Therefore, in these higher risk people, we are again asking them to come forward for their next booster vaccination to help maintain the best protection against COVID-19.”

From this Monday (March 21) those who are eligible for this latest booster shot have been able to book an appointment via the national booking system or turn-up at one of the walk-in sites as listed on the NHS Grab a jab website. Alternatively, search the NHS Kernow website.

Boosters are being given at GP practices, local pharmacies, and the large vaccination centres, as well as pop-up clinics around the county. Your GP or community pharmacy may invite you directly to come forward for your vaccination.

Iain added: “We are also continuing to urge anyone who has not received their first, second, or booster dose yet to please book or walk-in at one of our many vaccination sites across the county. There is no judgement about anyone who has not had a vaccine yet who then decides to come along and get their protection levels increased. It’s even more important now with cases in the community being at the levels they are. It is never too late to get started.”

Who can have the spring booster? - The spring booster is available to older adults (aged 75 and over), but also people aged 12 and above who are immunosuppressed. This includes people in different groups including those with underlying health conditions such as chronic leukaemia or lymphoma, and those who have had immunosuppressive treatment following an organ transplant or have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

When can people book a spring booster dose? - People can book a month (31 days) in advance and must have had their first booster at least three months (91 days) before the date of their spring booster. However, invitations will be sent to people based on 6 months (182 days) post first booster.

If you have had COVID-19, you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating or waiting for a COVID-19 test.

People who are housebound and managers of care homes for older people will be contacted by an appropriate NHS Team to arrange a visit.

There is more information on booster vaccinations on the NHS website. An information leaflet on the Spring booster vaccination is available to download.