Booster vaccinations against Covid-19 are now underway in Surrey as health authorities look to protect the most vulnerable against the virus this autumn and winter.

Surrey Heartlands CCG announced on Monday (September 27) they had begun offering booster shots to those eligible for one in the latest stage of what they described as the NHS's "biggest and most successful vaccination programme" in its history.

The NHS vaccination programme as such are now inviting people who had their second Covid-19 jab at least six months ago, for a top up vaccination to boost protection against Covid-19. Eligible people include:

  • people aged 50 and over
  • people who live and work in care homes
  • frontline health and social care workers
  • people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
  • carers aged 16 and over
  • people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • people who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

NHS authorities in the county and across the UK said they would contact people when they become eligible for the jab. It is expected they will deliver around 4.5 million vaccinations over the coming weeks and months.

Care home residents and staff are meanwhile expected to be prioritised by local health authorities.

"GPs, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers and other primary care staff across Surrey have been preparing to deliver the latest vaccine in our efforts to protect people against coronavirus," Clinical Chair of Surrey Heartlands Clinical Commissioning Group Dr. Charlotte Canniff said. "The coming months will be vital and by managing the roll out of the booster vaccinations to our local community in safe and convenient settings, we are helping to keep vulnerable people safe. When you are invited for your booster vaccine, I would urge you to take up the offer. Until then, please be patient and don’t contact your GP practice or any other vaccination site to seek a vaccine," she added.

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccine and to book an appointment, click here.