CARE home residents and staff across Tameside have been receiving their new variant-tackling seasonal Covid-19 booster vaccination.
People aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system or who are housebound and pregnant women are now able to book their own appointment for the jab, which targets more recent variants of coronavirus.
In Tameside, vaccines are delivered by GP led hubs based on Primary Care Networks (PCN) – groups of GP practices within the areas around Ashton, Hyde, Denton and Stalybridge.
Patients will be invited to book a slot for their Covid-19 booster at a PCN clinic, as long as it has been three months since their last dose, when the time is right.
Those registered with a GP practice in Denton, Hyde and Stalybridge PCN can book their appointment through the Local Booking Service online at www.tamesideandglossop.nhsvaccinations.co.uk or by calling 0161 368 5426 (for Denton call 0730 640 3262).
Ashton patients will be able to book their slot using the National Booking System online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119.
Those with weakened immune systems are already able to self-declare and attend walk-ins to make getting the extra protection as easy as possible.
Health and care workers can also book through national booking services and as with previous campaigns, those most at risk will be called forward first.
Flu jabs are also being made available as part of the autumn Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination programmes, part of a package of measures to prepare for winter as the health service in Greater Manchester continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency care services.
Bed capacity is being ramped up and there will be more 999 and NHS 111 staff.
Debbie Watson, Director of Population Health at Tameside Council, said: “Coronavirus is still here and the best way to protect yourself is to take up the offer of a free booster jab.
“If offered a flu jab at the same time, it is absolutely safe and effective to have both vaccinations together, including in pregnancy.
“All vaccines must go through the same regulatory approval process as any medicines to ensure they meet strict safety standards and offer high levels of protection.
“We are continuing to see lower levels of serious illness due to the efficiency of both these vaccinations.”