Vulnerable people urged to have Covid booster jab

The NHS in Somerset has said only 30% of vulnerable people eligible for a spring Covid-19 vaccination booster have taken up the offer.

Since 1 April, 53,000 jabs have been given across the county, but there are fears around low uptake in groups of people who have weakened immune systems.

The NHS said those in that group, including people who are having chemotherapy or have conditions such as HIV, are at a significantly higher risk from Covid-19.

Mike Kelly, who runs the vaccine programme for the NHS in Somerset said: "We are concerned that many people who need the vaccine most are missing out."

He added: "Whether you've been immunosuppressed and vaccinated for the past few years or were only recently diagnosed with cancer, you are entitled to a Covid-19 vaccination. It's essential protection, and it's easy to access."

Dr Bharat Pankhania, a senior lecturer in disease control, said immunisation is more important in vulnerable groups because of a lack of "immune memory".

"We have a large number of people who are vulnerable to the effects of the infection... some of them could become very ill.

"Repeated infections of the virus, research shows, is harmful. It creates an inflammatory response and it shows they have decline - they have effects on their heart, their blood vessels, and other organs.

"Covid-19 does not make good immune memory - you need to be topped up regularly with the vaccine."

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