Spring COVID-19 booster clinics have opened across Dorset.

Appointments are now available for over-75s, people aged five and over who have a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Eligible residents will receive a message from the NHS reminding them to book an appointment via the National Booking Service or by calling 119. And if you think you should be eligible for a vaccine but have not been invited to have a jab, you can check online or self-declare via the National Booking Service.

If an appointment isn’t available locally, check where the vaccine centres are on www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-service and try again at a later date, as appointments are constantly added to the schedule

Paul Bolton clinical services manager for the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination service, said: “Appointments are bookable across the county at more than 30 clinics in community hospitals, pharmacies and some GP surgeries. Eligible residents will have easy access to the latest vaccine at a local clinic near to them. We have capacity for everyone, and they have until the 30 June to get a jab, so there’s no need to rush. But it is important to book in advance.

“Our roving vaccination teams are working alongside our clinics to boost more than 12,000 of our most vulnerable people in care homes, as well as eligible housebound patients”.

After 30 June primary doses (1st and 2nd jabs) of the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be available, except for people at higher risk from severe COVID-19 who will be able to book them during the annual spring and autumn programmes.

Anyone who has yet to receive their first or second COVID-19 jabs is encouraged to book an appointment via the National Booking Service at a local clinic while they can.

Dr Ravin Ramtohal, lead GP for the vaccination programme in Dorset, said: “COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. Vaccines remain an important part in people staying well from existing and new strains of the virus. Especially for those that are more likely to become very poorly from catching it. I would strongly encourage everyone to ensure they are up to date with their vaccines to protect themselves.”

For further information on vaccinations please visit nhs.uk and search for vaccinations. If you do not have online access, call 119 to receive support to book your appointment. You can also speak to your GP or any health professional at your next appointment.