The vaccination booster programme is now underway across Norfolk and Waveney with a third covid-19 vaccine being offered to eligible patient groups in line with national and JCVI guidance.

Priority for third doses is being given to those who are immunosuppressed or identified on patient records as being Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, as these patients are less likely to have retained anti-bodies from their first vaccines. Hospital consultants and local GPs are working closely together to ensure that these very vulnerable patients are contacted as soon as possible to make an appointment for their third vaccine.

We know there are a number of very vulnerable patients who are understandably very keen to get their third vaccine, not only for the additional protection but also for their peace of mind. Please be reassured that we are working as fast as we can to make sure those most at risk of covid-19 are contacted first. This means drawing on both hospital patient lists and GP patient lists but this work is ongoing and patients should be hearing from the local NHS in the coming days and weeks to get booked in. This is the largest and most complex vaccination programme the NHS has ever delivered, but everyone eligible who needs a third dose will get one.

The following groups are also among the first eligible cohorts for a booster vaccine:

• those living in residential care homes for older adults
• all adults aged 50 years or over
• frontline health and social care workers including those who work in residential and nursing homes for older adults
• all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers
• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

These individuals will be contacted by the NHS or their local GP practice and offered a booster (third) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, in the same cohort order as the initial vaccination programme was rolled out.

It is vital that anyone eligible for a booster waits to be contacted by the NHS to make an appointment – the national booking system is now open and able to take bookings from eligible people. GP practices continue to be incredibly busy and keeping their phone lines open for patients to make appointments with their doctor or practice nurse is crucial.

Please do not telephone your GP practice asking when you will get your booster – the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn.

If you are eligible for a booster, please do not attend any of our walk-in vaccination clinics. They are still focused on vaccinating remaining people with first and second doses and cannot currently provide third (booster) jabs. You can book your booster vaccine online at www.nhs.uk – Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.