The NHS in the South West has today urged anyone currently eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination, to book an appointment without delay.

Calls to get vaccinated come alongside new figures showing more than 31.1 million people across England have received a first dose of the vaccine since the NHS made history by giving Maggie Keenan the first Pfizer vaccination outside of a clinical trial in Coventry Hospital in December.

NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate people within the guidance set out by the JCVI on priority groups and anyone aged 34 and can now book their appointment through the national booking system.

As at 19 May 2021, more than 3.3 million people in the South West have received their first dose of protection and 2 million have been fully vaccinated.

Last week, the Government and the JCVI announced that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those aged 50 and over who have yet to received theirs.

Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation Public Health England and NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said:

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid-19, so when it is your turn to get your first or second dose please do so.

“Following updated advice from the government and Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), people aged 50 and over and the clinically vulnerable are having their second doses brought forward to help counter the spread of the new variant. It is really important to have the second dose as this provides maximum protection against Covid19, including this new strain.”

“People who should have their second dose brought forward do not need to contact the NHS. The NHS will let you know if you need to rebook.”

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director of the NHS in the South West, said:

“We continue to work hard across the South West to provide the vaccination to as many people as possible and it is a tribute to our staff and volunteers that almost 69% of people have now had a vaccination.

“As we move through the age cohorts, more and more people are being invited to go online or call 119 and book their jab. Vaccines are safe, effective and it’s never too late to get vaccinated if you’re eligible”.

When invited, people will be able to book at one of the vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice site across the country available through the national booking service.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their appointment. People 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.