The coronavirus vaccination programme is well underway here in the UK. Until now, the NHS has urged people to wait until they are invited to book their jabs. However, at a Downing Street briefing on 8th February, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced an important change. If you’re over 70 and live in England, you should contact the NHS to book your coronavirus vaccine if you haven’t already.
How to Book Your Coronavirus Vaccine
The easiest way to book your coronavirus jab is to use the NHS online booking service. You’ll need to be registered with a GP in order to book. Alternatively, you can all 119 free of charge. The 119 line is open between 7am and 11pm every day.
For maximum protection against Covid-19, you’ll need to have two doses of the vaccine. You’ll be able to book both your appointments at once. The second one will be around 11-12 weeks after the first.
Please note: You can also book a coronavirus vaccine online on behalf of someone else. Be sure to check in with your relatives and friends over 70 and make sure they’re able to book their vaccination.
How Many People Have Already Had the Jab?
So far, more than 12.5 million people have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Of those people, more than 500,000 have also received their second dose.
The government’s initial target was to offer a jab to everyone in the top four priority groups by mid-February. These groups include:
- Care home residents and staff
- Frontline health and social care workers and everyone aged 80 or over.
- Everyone aged 40 and over
- Everyone aged 40 and over as well as clinically extremely vulnerable people (excluding those under 16)
Should You Get the Covid Vaccine?
It’s important for as many people as possible to get the coronavirus vaccine. This will allow us to lift lockdown restrictions and get back to life as normal. The UK regulator has been assessing millions of doses since the vaccination programme began. It has found that the vaccines being administered in the UK are extremely safe.
There is strong evidence that the coronavirus vaccine will save lives and prevent severe illness, freeing up much-needed hospital beds.
While it’s only natural to feel a little anxious about a vaccine, you can rest assured that only a very small percentage of people experience any side effects. What’s more, almost all of these side effects are mild, such as a sore arm where the needle went in. Side effects are not the symptoms of illness itself but rather the effects of the body’s immune response.
Matt Hancock said, “Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and, by ensuring you and your loved ones get booked in for a jab, the NHS can give those most at risk the protection they need.”
Dr Nikki Kanani, medical director of primary care for NHS England, said, “The vaccine is safe, simple, and will offer you and those around you crucial protection against this virus.
Book Your Coronavirus Vaccine Today
If you are in one of the eligible groups, you can book your coronavirus vaccine today. Go to the NHS website or call 119 to make your appointment. If no suitable appointments are available, you can also ring your GP practice.
Get peace of mind with a Carelink Alarm from just £2.90 a week!
