Have you booked your vaccination yet?

Everyone aged 40 and over can now book a life-saving Covid-19 jab, as the NHS vaccination programme, the biggest and fastest in the health service’s history goes from strength to strength.  Appointments are available 8am to 8pm, seven days a week from any of the seven large vaccination centres across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The NHS is now offering first doses to people in the next eligible group. Anyone aged 40 and over or who has a learning disability, is clinically vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable (at high risk from coronavirus) or an unpaid carer is being invited to book their appointment on the National Booking System (www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine) or by calling 119.

Since the vaccination rollout began in December, around 938,000 people have been protected with at least one dose in Lancashire and South Cumbria – which is almost 70 percent of the adult population.

NHS staff have fully vaccinated almost 450,000 people with second doses remaining a priority. It is vital everyone books in for their second jab to ensure they receive the maximum protection from coronavirus.

The NHS is vaccinating in line with guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as supply allows. Those eligible will be able to book once they are invited to do so.  

Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Jane Scattergood, said:

“The rapid rollout of the NHS vaccination programme, the swiftest in Europe, is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our incredible volunteers.

If you’re eligible for the vaccine please do book your appointment as soon as possible, so that you can join the millions of others who are helping to protect themselves and others and continue our progress back towards a normal life.

NHS staff are still working hard to deliver the largest vaccination drive in history, at the same time as providing care for everyone who needs it. So, please play your part by not contacting the NHS to seek a vaccine if you are not eligible yet, you will be invited when it is your time.”

People can book in at a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy site through the national booking service. Appointments are available from 8am to 8pm seven days a week to give people flexibility for their appointments, including arranging around working hours.

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the world-leading medical regulator the MHRA.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Vaccinations are now being administered at more than 1,700 sites across the country, including mosques, museums and rugby grounds, meaning the vast majority of the people live within 10 miles of at least one vaccination service.

Find out more information on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme.