GPs from across Rutland and Leicestershire have made a series of online videos encouraging people from different communities to get their Autumn Covid booster vaccination. They are currently focussing on people aged over 65, those who are immunosuppressed as well as frontline health and care workers. The vaccine will then be offered to anyone over 50 and people who live with those who need extra protection from the virus (or are at a higher risk themselves) from age 5 and upwards until December.
Dr Sulaxni Nainani, Leicester GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the LLR ICB, said: “As we have such a diverse population in Leicester, we want to make sure that this important health message reaches people in their own language, so that everyone who is eligible for the autumn booster has the opportunity to be fully protected ahead of the winter.
“Even if you’ve already had the Covid vaccine, you need to have a booster dose when it is offered to you. This is because the protection offered by each dose of the vaccine reduces over time.”
Dr Caroline Trevithick, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, said: “Throughout the Covid vaccine programme, local GPs have been keen to ensure our messages reach our diverse communities. We know that uptake in some communities has been slower so this is an effective way of reaching particular groups.
“Covid is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. This winter it is expected that many respiratory infections, including Covid and flu, may be circulating at high levels.
“If you have missed any of your Covid vaccination doses you should have them as soon as possible. If you are eligible for the autumn booster but think you have missed a previous booster you should still go ahead – you will not need another dose.”
People who are eligible for a flu vaccine may be able to have this at the same time as their autumn Covid booster.
The GP videos in various languages urging eligible people to get their autumn booster can be accessed here: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/vaccinations/
You can book an appointment through the National Booking Service online at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
You can also book by calling 119.
There are also walk-in clinics, you can find your nearest clinic at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/
The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine – you do not need to contact the NHS.
Eligible patients may also be contacted by their GP – you do not need to contact your GP practice.
Detailed information about the vaccine and who is eligible can be found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
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