It’s not too late to get your COVID jabs this summer

People in Somerset who have not yet had their COVID-19 vaccinations are being encouraged to come forward over the summer.

Gary Risdale, programme manager for Somerset’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “Somerset has a very high uptake of vaccinations with over 91% of the population over 18 having had at least one dose. However, you can still get very ill from the virus and in readiness for the very busy Autumn period we are strongly encouraging the remainder of the population to take advantage of the quieter Summer months and get your jabs done now.”

Appointments can be made by calling 119 or booking online through the National Booking Service. A number of walk-in clinics will also be available. Details and times can be found by visiting the Grab a Jab website.

The Autumn Booster programme will begin at the start of September. Full details will be made available shortly, but the vaccination will be made available to the following groups:

• residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
• frontline health and social care workers
• all adults aged 50 years and over
• persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
• persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers

Vaccination clinics will be open across the county over the summer holidays offering appointments and walk in options for people to get their first, second and initial booster doses. Jabs will be available to everyone eligible from aged 5+. Anyone who is 75 on or after 1 July 2022 are now asked to wait until the Autumn to get their next booster, although people who are immunosuppressed are still able to come forward. Pregnant women are also being encouraged to have their vaccinations and are advised to speak with their midwife for further advise.