More than 60% of eligible people in Gloucestershire have taken up the offer of a COVID vaccination during this phase of the programme, with 3 weeks left to come forward.

In line with expert advice, the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including those aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024), residents of care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.

Local vaccination teams have arranged a series of drop-in clinics for those eligible to pop in for their jab with no appointment needed:

 

Location Date Eligibility Criteria
GL17 Community Hub
Mitcheldean Library
High Street		 10am-2pm
Tuesday 18 June		 Anyone aged 75+
Adults aged 18-75 who are immunosuppressed
Keepers Community Hub
Symn Lane
Wotton under Edge
GL12 7BD		 9.30am-12pm
Thursday 27 June		 Anyone aged 75+
Adults aged 18-75 who are immunosuppressed

If an appointment is more convenient, eligible people can do so via:

  • the NHS National Booking Service (nhs.uk/covidvaccination / call 119)
  • on the NHS App
  • your local GP practice if they are offering the vaccination (eligible people will have received an invitation).

Parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years who are immunosuppressed who want them vaccinated should contact ghn-tr.c19vaxbookings@nhs.net by Tuesday 11 June to arrange an appointment before the final clinic for this age group takes place at Battledown Childrens Outpatients Cheltenham General Hospital on Wednesday 12 June.

Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram (Raghu), Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“Protection against COVID-19, either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination, can fade over time and the virus can change so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.

For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening. If you or your child are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer. It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you the protection you need for the months ahead.”

For more information about the vaccination in Gloucestershire, visit the seasonal vaccination page.

People who have a weakened immune system (are immunosuppressed)

You may have a weakened immune system due to a health condition, treatment or medicine, including if you:

  • have ever had a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
  • have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • have HIV (at any stage)
  • have a genetic disorder affecting your immune system
  • have certain medical treatments, such as steroid medicine (depending on your dose), certain antibody therapies, chemotherapy or radiotherapy (including those whose treatment ended up to 6 months ago)
  • take certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on your dose)
  • take long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis

If you are unsure, please speak to your pharmacist, GP practice or specialist for advice.