‘Now’s the time to grab your jab’ as booster programme set to pause

NHS services across Greater Manchester are urging people to come down and get their Covid-19 vaccinations up to date following an announcement that the booster programme will pause on February 12.

People aged over 16 who still need a first Covid booster (having already had two primary doses) or people who are eligible* for a seasonal booster have two weeks to get them.

Greater Manchester currently has 121 vaccine centres in operation, with options to book or just walk in.

There are centres open at weekends, early mornings and evenings and in pharmacies, community venues, GP surgeries and hospital hubs.

Dr Helen Wall, screening and immunisations lead for NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for a first booster, or for a seasonal booster, to come and get theirs before February 12.

“Covid-19 continues to circulate and, as many of us have found, even milder illness can make you feel pretty poorly and stop you doing what you want to do, whether work, education, socialising or holidays.

"It’s worth pointing out that some countries have required a first booster for travel.

“The best thing to do to keep life moving is to get your vaccinations up to date.

"That might be the first booster you hadn’t quite got round to sorting, or for eligible people, the current seasonal booster.”

Dr Wall added: “As throughout the vaccine programme we’re making it as easy as possible for people to get their vaccinations.

"You can either book a slot, or there are sessions where you can just turn up. It’s all done in a matter of minutes.”

A spring 2023 booster for people very likely to be seriously ill from Covid-19 is being considered; though it has been announced that there will be a 2023 autumn Covid-19 booster for people more likely to be seriously ill from the virus.

After February 12, special arrangements will be put in place for people who are at extreme clinical risk from Covid-19 and require a vaccination.

First or second Covid-19 vaccinations will also still be available to eligible people at selected centres across Greater Manchester.

To do so they may have to travel to a centre further from home than previously.

To book a Covid-19 booster before February 12, click here

To find a walk-in centre near you, click here

* You can have a seasonal booster dose (autumn booster) of the Covid-19 vaccine if you are aged 50 or over, pregnant. aged 5 and over and at high risk from Covid-19 due to a health condition or a weakened immune system.

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