As hundreds of thousands of text messages and letters go out across England, the NHS Clinical Lead for the Covid vaccination programme for North East and Yorkshire has added her voice to the call for people most at risk from Covid to get their booster vaccine.

Dr Yvette Oade (pictured) is calling on people to book their top-up vaccine as soon as they’re invited to ensure they get extra protection ahead of winter.

“The vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family and friends as we head into winter when we know Covid can present a bigger risk to our health,” Dr Oade said.

Those eligible for a booster Covid jab include everyone aged 50 and over, frontline health and social care workers and those aged between 16 and 49 with an underlying health condition which puts them at greater risk from the virus.

Dr Oade added: “I encourage anyone who has received an invite to come forward for their booster jab as soon as they can and protect themselves and their loved ones. A booster vaccine will prolong the protection you have already developed from your first and second doses ahead of the winter.”

People don’t need to contact the NHS for their booster, but will be invited when it is their turn, Dr Oade explained. With a minimum of six months required between the second and booster doses, some people in the original priority groups may not become eligible until early next year.

When invited, people can book an appointment online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination for one of the convenient vaccine sites across the region. People who aren’t able to go online can book by phoning 119.

The booster programme is being delivered through pharmacies, hospital hubs, GP practices and vaccination centres, and in line with JCVI guidance people will receive either one dose of Pfizer or half a dose of Moderna. People could also be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

Dr Oade’s appeal comes as the NHS invites more than 1million people at most risk from Covid for their booster vaccination – in addition to 850,000 who’ve already booked in since the national booking system opened for top-up jabs on 21 September.

She added: “Almost 5.8 million people in the North East and Yorkshire region have been double-jabbed and the booster vaccination will ensure those at greatest risk maintain high levels of protection against Covid-19 this winter. With six-and-a-quarter-million first doses delivered in our region, I’m pleased to report that more than 12 million Covid vaccinations have been delivered in the North East and Yorkshire.”

Dr Oade added: “Covid hasn’t gone away, so please do come forward for your booster when invited.”