As COVID-19 levels in Plymouth begin to rise, more people are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, as from this week the national booster drive started accepting bookings for people in their forties.
All those people aged 40 to 49, who are double-vaccinated, can secure an appointment for their third jab for six months after their second dose.
They can do so via the NHS booking service website, or by calling 119.
Data shows the third dose tops-up protection against symptomatic COVID-19 to above 90 per cent.
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 – who previously were only eligible for one dose – can also now book their second COVID-19 vaccine.
Older teens will be given the second vaccine 12 weeks following their first jab. Second jabs can be booked here.
The vaccination remains one of the key ways we can combat COVID-19 in Plymouth. Locally 90.0 per cent of those aged 40 years or older are fully vaccinated and 61.4 per cent of those aged 16 to 17 years old, have had their first jab.
Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: “Levels of COVID-19 in Plymouth have started to rise again, with around 1 in 50 people in the city testing positive for the virus over the last 4 weeks. We are currently at the same level as earlier in July. We know that protection from the vaccine does wane over time after the first two doses. Therefore, it is important that everyone eligible for a booster jab, gets one. The evidence is clear, the top up will help reduce the likelihood of having symptoms if you catch COVID-19. And, as we hurtle towards winter, the NHS needs us to do all we can to help reduce pressure on their services.
“Over the next few five weeks, we will all be making plans to see our friends and family. Therefore, I would urge everyone to get their vaccine whether their first, second or top-up dose as soon as possible, helping to protect them and their loved ones over winter and the festive period.