NHS Somerset has called on residents to act swiftly, as about 100,000 eligible individuals in the county—representing 50% of those eligible—are yet to receive their Covid-19 winter vaccination.
With just a month remaining in the autumn/winter vaccination programme, the NHS is encouraging people to book their appointments through GP surgeries, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, or online platforms.
The vaccination rollout has so far seen 50% of eligible Somerset residents take the Covid-19 jab. Shona Turnbull-Kirk, Senior Reporting Officer for Vaccinations at NHS Somerset, emphasised the importance of staying protected:
“We know that immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year,” she explained.
This year’s winter vaccination programme also includes flu vaccinations, aiming to combat the dual threat of flu and Covid-19. The NHS stresses that being vaccinated helps reduce the severity of illness and speeds recovery, significantly lowering the risk of hospitalisation.
Bharat Pankhania, a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Communicable Diseases at the University of Exeter, voiced concern over the large number of people who have not yet come forward.
He highlighted ongoing hospitalisations and deaths due to severe Covid-19 infections, saying, “As a result of the vaccine we are now back to normal, we’re not in lockdown.
“Like all vaccines, a small percentage of people will end up with side effects but, by and large, for the majority of the population the vaccine saves your life,” he added.
While minor side effects from the vaccine may occur, Dr Pankhania reassured that for most people, the vaccine is life-saving.
The programme is open to:
Adults aged 65 and over
Residents in care homes for older adults
Frontline health and social care workers
Individuals in clinical risk groups
How to Book
Eligible individuals can book their Covid-19 vaccine online via the NHS app or by calling 119. The NHS is urging residents to act quickly to ensure protection during the winter months.
