Spring boosters are being offered to people at greatest risk of COVID-19 infection.

From today, an additional dose is being offered as a precaution to people who are at extreme high risk from COVID-19 infection and had their first booster at least six month ago.

People aged 75 and older, residents of care homes for older people and people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system are all eligible.

‘Weakened immune system’ includes those with underlying health conditions such as chronic leukaemia or lymphoma, and those who have had immunosuppressive treatment following an organ transplant or have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Dr Andy Seymour, clinical chair, NHS Gloucestershire CCG said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people again for their spring boosters.

"Our teams of staff and volunteers will be on hand to help and answer any questions. With continued high levels of COVID-19 in the community, we encourage those who are eligible to take up the offer to help protect them over the coming months.

"Please be assured that if they’re eligible, people will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book in for their vaccination soon, there’s no need to contact their GP surgery at this time.

"I’d also like to remind people that it’s not too late for anyone who hasn’t yet had their first, second or first booster doses to come forward."

The bulk of vaccinations are provided by appointment through the 11 community vaccination centres across the county, including Beeches Green Health Centre and Rowcroft Medical Centre in Stroud. 

People will receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book (often via text if your GP practice has a contact number).

People are being asked to wait for an invite and not to contact their GP surgery.

You can also choose to book an appointment at one of 10 community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website (nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119). 

The closest to Stroud is run by Cainscross Pharmacy at Brittania Dance Studio, Cashes Green Road.

If you have had COVID-19 you should ideally wait four weeks before having your spring booster. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating or waiting for a COVID-19 test.

People who are housebound and managers of care homes for older people will be contacted by an appropriate NHS Team to arrange a visit.