With the government launch on Monday of an “Omicron emergency booster national mission” to help protect the NHS, the ramping up of vaccinations is seen by many as an ambitious plan.
The NHS is now offering a booster to all eligible adults (over 18s) by the end of the year, brought forward from end January, as cases of the new variant increase rapidly.
With many vaccination centres already working at peak load across Sussex, the NHS and its partners are working extremely hard to roll out the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme. In the run-up to Christmas this will be very challenging.
Already there are long queues outside many vaccination centres and the NHS vaccination booking website has been struggling to cope with the demand for jabs.
The drive for more vaccinations comes after advice from government advisers that two doses of vaccine are just not enough to give the level of protection that we all need. Therefore scientists believe that a third dose, a booster dose, is necessary to increase protection.
The vaccination offer
All adults (over 18) have been eligible to booster jabs since Monday, December 13, The guidance is that boosters can come three months (91 days) from the date of second vaccine.
Rye vaccination centre
In recent days we have been very busy at the Rye vaccination centre with 1,700 jabs delivered last weekend, where we prefer all patients to book via the national booking system. Our hours are on @ryepfizer.
With rising demand, all sessions are subject to change because of variable booking levels, staff availability and vaccine supply. We are receiving mixed and variable supplies of Pfizer, Moderna and now AstraZeneca. Patients with queries should ask the vaccinator. We are well prepared to discuss during appointments. Covid boosters now appear in the NHS app.
People in contact with the infected
Fully vaccinated people in England who have had contact with someone with Covid-19 should take a rapid lateral flow test every day for seven days, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Other health services
In terms of planned appointments at GP practices, there are no changes at the current time and everyone should attend planned appointments as normal. If there is a need to make any changes, then the NHS will make contact directly.
See more about the vaccination programme in Sussex, including the vaccination services: Covid-19 vaccinations - Sussex Health & Care Partnership.
The Rye vaccination facility at the Tilling Green Centre is provided by Clarity Chemists supported by community volunteers.
