As the autumn Covid-19 vaccine roll-out gets under way, two Seaham pharmacists have shown how easy it is to get the latest jab.
The latest vaccine is bivalent - meaning it tackles both the Omicron Covid-19 strain and the earlier variation seen - and is now being given to the most vulnerable groups in our communities. The first people to be invited include those over 65, those who have serious health conditions or are immuno-suppressed.
Also targeted are pregnant women, care home residents, carers, and those working in health and social care. At Knights Pharmacy, Pete Horrocks is both helping to administer the vaccines and also - as a frontline healthcare worker - had the jab himself.
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He said: "Anybody eligible for a vaccination can pop on to the NHS booking website and book a vaccination at any of the clinics that are available."
Pete's vaccine was administered by colleague John Boampong. John explained to patients about how the latest - Moderna Spikevax - jab helps protect them. He said: "It's called Bivalent because it contains two variants. And so it will offer better protection compared to the previous vaccinations, but you must also protect yourselves."
The NHS is pushing for everyone eligible to get both a flu and a Covid-19 jab this winter and "double their defences" ahead of what is an uncertain picture. Those leading the vaccine drive have highlighted how Covid-19 is still very serious for some people - and continues to lead to hospitalisations and illness.
Experts have also spoken of fears that a worse-than-usual flu season could cause a "twindemic" - making getting a flu jab equally important. Members of the public are told to wait until they are contacted - potentially via letter or text - before booking a jab appointment.
At the moment the NHS is working through the most vulnerable groups, but soon the autumn booster push will be expanded to all over-50s. Appointments can be booked online via the National Booking System, by calling 119 or by speaking directly with your GP if it is them who have contacted you.
Rather than necessarily taking place in large scale vaccination centres, most vaccinations are now taking place in local community venues such as GPs or pharmacies. Having the Covid-19 and flu jabs at the same time is possible, and is safe. For flu jabs, patients will be invited by a GP or can attend a local pharmacy.
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