Thousands of Covid jabs available for vulnerable

Mark Norman
BBC South East Health Correspondent
Peter Byrne/PA Wire A covid vaccination bottle is held in the air while someone in blue rubber gloves holds up a needle to the vialPeter Byrne/PA Wire
Over half a million people in the South East have received their covid vaccination this spring

Thousands of appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations are still available at pharmacies, GP practices and pop up clinics across the South East.

Over half a million people in the region have received their jab as part of the NHS spring vaccination campaign.

NHS Sussex said the vaccination provided vital protection against different strains of the Covid-19 virus and helped to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

Caroline Reid, senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccination program in the South East, is encouraging "all eligible individuals to book their vaccination to ensure they are protected".

According to the latest data, 526,432 people in the South East have been vaccinated against Covid since the beginning of April.

The vaccination is available to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Thousands of daily appointments remain available at pharmacies and GP practices, with walk-in appointments also offered at various locations.

Mark Norman BBC Dr Samia Kidwai looks at the camera with an NHS mobile vaccination centre in the background.Mark Norman BBC
The NHS in Sussex is operating mobile pop-up vaccination centres to encourage more people to have the Covid jab

To help people access the vaccine more easily, NHS Sussex is setting up clinics in community centres, sports halls, and other local venues.

Dr Samia Kidwai said that Covid was still in the community.

"It's really important we protect our health and the vaccine is one way to do that, particularly for vulnerable groups and those that are at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell as a result of Covid 19," she said.

For more information or to schedule a vaccination, visit the NHS website, use the NHS app, or call 119.

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