Getting a Covid-19 booster jab in Southampton

As of last week, the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme, which has been running for 13 weeks, has seen more than two million people in the South East receive a third dose or booster.

NHS data shows a total of 48,699 in Southampton received their third dose or booster jab of the coronavirus vaccine by December 5 2021.

A new target has been set to give boosters to all adults who want one by the end of the month, according to the PM. 

From today, Monday, December 13, boosters are open to every adult over 18 who has had a second dose of a Covid vaccine at least three months ago.

People will be able to book their booster through the national NHS booking system from Wednesday.

READ MORE:

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Previously, those eligible for a booster could not receive it until six months after their last jab.

This change in the booster jab booking comes amid rising numbers of cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, and government’s move to Plan B measures.

It's not yet known exactly how effective the current vaccines are against the new variant, but early evidence suggests there may be a higher re-infection risk from Omicron.

Speaking last week, Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: “The government has announced a move to Plan B measures which will come into force in the coming days.

“This announcement comes at a time when cases are already high and local health services are under pressure.

“It is important to slow the increasing spread of the Omicron variant and reduce the chances of our local NHS services coming under unsustainable pressure, while buying time to deliver more boosters.

“We all know what we need to do to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the need for further restrictions.

“We can do this by continuing to test, having our vaccinations and booster shots when eligible, working from home where possible and wearing masks in line with the government guidance, and self-isolating when required to do so.”

In light of this, here is everything you need to know about getting your booster jab in Southampton:

What does a booster jab do?

Several studies have shown that boosters can give a big increase in protection against illness from Covid-19.

Like some vaccines, the level of effectiveness may decrease as time passes, but that’s why we have the booster jab.

It should help to extend your protection against Covid-19. Findings from the UK-based Cov-Boost trial, led by University Hospital Southampton, revealed that all the available booster vaccines improved immunity against Covid-19, regardless of which vaccine had been used as a first dose.

Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?

If you are over 18, the answer is yes.

All those aged 18 and over are to be offered a Covid-19 booster vaccine to help tackle the spread of the new Omicron variant.

People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 and those aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19 are also eligible.

But only those aged 40 and over can currently book via the national booking system.

How can I book my booster jab?

You no longer have to wait to be contacted by the NHS to book, but you must be eligible.

Appointments can be made via the NHS online booking site for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy, or by visiting a walk-in vaccination site. Here, you can be vaccinated without needing an appointment.

Which Covid-19 vaccine will I get?

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.

This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your first and second doses.

Don’t worry, as stated above, all booster vaccines improve immunity, regardless of which vaccine has been used as a first dose.

Some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

Can the Covid-19 booster be given at the same time as the flu jab?

Yes, the flu jab and Covid-19 booster vaccine may be offered at the same appointment.

The medicines regulator the MHRA has reviewed the evidence and decided that it is safe to do so.

Having both vaccines together is safe, and it’s quite common to have a reaction to any vaccine because vaccines are designed to cause an immune response that can cause symptoms like tiredness and fever.

Every vaccination site in Southampton:

PCN sites (offering booster doses and third doses):

• Adelaide Health Centre (West PCN)

• Chessel Avenue Surgery (Bitterne PCN)

• Ladies Walk Surgery (Living Well PCN)

• Royal South Hants Hospital (Central PCN)

• Shirley Health Centre (West PCN)

• St Peters Surgery (Townhill and Woolston PCN)

• Telephone House Surgery (Central PCN)

• University Health Service (North PCN)

Walk-in centre (offering doses for 12-15 year olds, and first and second doses):

Oakley Road Vaccination Centre, Oakley Road, Millbrook. Vaccination centre run by Solent NHS Trust.

Book through NHS Digital’s National Booking Service (NBS)

Pharmacy (offering booster doses, doses for 12-15 year olds, and first and second doses):

Boots Pharmacy Southampton, West Quay Retail Park, Southampton.

Book through NHS Digital’s National Booking Service (NBS).

Stephanie Ramsey, managing director for Southampton at NHS Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The COVID-19 booster roll out in Southampton is progressing well, thanks to the hard work of our vaccination teams.

“I want to thank all of our COVID-19 vaccination teams working hard across the city to expand the booster programme to vaccinate more people in a shorter space of time."

 Will I receive a booster vaccine every year?

The current advice on boosters is for the coming months, but it’s possible that a Covid booster jab will be offered every year, similarly to the flu jab.

Will the vaccine stop me from catching Covid-19?

In short, the answer is no.

But, it should reduce the risk and severity of the illness if you do catch it, and having a booster vaccine should help you build up protection.