People in Dorset who haven’t yet received the Covid-19 jab to which they are entitled are encouraged to do so.

Everyone age 18 and over is entitled to the two-dose course, with a gap of eight weeks between the doses; also those aged five to 17 in an at risk group. For those aged five to 17, the gap between doses is 12 weeks.

The gap between doses one, two and three is eight weeks for everyone aged above five who is immunosuppressed.

Everyone over the age of 16 can have the first booster dose three months after the primary course.

And the additional spring boost after the first booster is available for everyone aged over 75 before 1 July 2022, residents in a care home for elderly adults and those over 12 who are immunosuppressed.

There is a network of vaccination centres and hubs in Dorset.

You can book via the National Booking System or by calling 119 and there are also walk-ins available at some locations. Some sites are bookable through a local booking service, and you may be contacted directly by them if there is one near to you.

Dorset vaccination programme clinical lead Dr Ravin Ramtohal said: “It may be tempting to let down our guard as we go into the summer, but Covid-19 is still around and still impacting our lives.

“We all want to enjoy the warmer weather and hopefully get a break in the summer – making sure you have your full course of vaccinations will help you to avoid a nasty bout of the virus so you can do all things you want to do.”

Plans are being developed to roll out the autumn booster programme, with eligible groups recently announced by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). More information on the arrangements for Dorset will be available soon.

There are special arrangements to visit residents of care homes for older adults and those who are housebound and eligible for the vaccination – please be patient while heath care workers book everyone in.

Anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and has not had all their vaccinations should have them as soon as possible – you will receive confirmation of your eligibility for the vaccination from either your GP, your specialist doctor or NHS England.