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Urgent call for Essex Residents to get their booster jabs

Essex residents urged to get their Covid-19 booster jabs this weekend as NHS holds a ‘big weekend’ of walk-in appointments

The over 40’s in Essex are being told getting booster their jabs is the ‘most urgent priority’ in the fight against Covid-19.

The age group is being encouraged to take advantage of the NHS’s Big Weekend Event of walk-in and bookable appointments this Saturday and Sunday.

Cllr John Spence, who is responsible for Health and Adult Social Care in Essex said: “I am urging residents to please take up their booster vaccine as soon as they can. This is the most urgent priority in our fight against Covid-19 – we need to get boosters in the arms of everyone who is over 40 years old.

“One in six people in Essex over the age of 80, and one in 4 people over 70 have still yet to get their booster. The booster jab is critical to best protect their health over the winter months. Getting the booster means they are far less likely to suffer complications of the virus as their immunity from their first two doses starts to wane.

“It will also help to reduce the number of hospitalisations and pressures on our health service this winter.”

Residents who are due their Covid-19 booster jab, once they have waited 6 months since their second dose (182 days), are being asked to book now to prevent a rise in Covid-19.

Once they’re eligible, they will be able to walk-in at any Essex vaccination centre this weekend, as NHS holds a ‘Big Weekend’ of Grab a Jab appointments. The EPUT Vaccination Bus will also be visiting Chelmsford City Racecourse, offering first dose, second dose and booster Pfizer vaccinations on Saturday and Sunday. 

Studies show after three months the immunity starts to slowly decrease and having a booster jab increases it back up to over 90%. This ensures people have a higher level of protection, especially during the winter months.

Who can get a booster jab?

  • The over 40’s are now able to have their booster jab, as long as it’s been 6 months (182 days) after their second vaccination, which they can book after 5 months

How to get a booster jab?

If you’ve not had either Covid-19 jabs, it’s not too late to book them. Sixteen and seventeen year olds can also book their second vaccines.

Cllr Spence added: “Keeping our focus on getting vaccinated for the first time where we haven’t been and getting the booster where we’re eligible is vital. Having a booster increases the chances of us all being able to have a happy Christmas.”

If you don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, regular self-testing is also vital. Rapid test kits are freely available across Essex. Without symptoms, getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have Covid-19 and by self-isolating immediately if you test positive, you will not unknowingly spread the virus to family and friends

Remember, if you do have Covid-19 symptoms, you and everyone you live with must self-isolate immediately and take a free PCR test.

We’re all relying on each other to stay safe and by continuing to do these simple actions, as well as getting both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine when invited to, we can Keep Covid in Check.