In the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin are joining the rest of country and launching the autumn booster across the county.

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. This winter it is expected that many respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and flu may be circulating at high levels – this may put increasing pressure on hospitals and other health care services. For these reasons, people aged 50 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 5 years and over in clinical risk groups are being offered an autumn booster of COVID-19 vaccine. A booster will also be offered to front-line health and social care staff, those who care for vulnerable individuals and families of individuals with weakened immune systems.

The autumn booster is being offered to those at high risk of the complications of COVID-19 infection, who may have not been boosted for a few months (3 months or 91 days). As the number of COVID-19 infections increases over the winter, this booster should help to reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital with COVID-19. The booster may also provide some protection against mild Omicron infection but such protection does not last for long.

Timing of the autumn booster 

You should have your booster at least 3 months (91 days) after your last dose of vaccine. If you are eligible for a flu vaccine, you may be able to have them at the same time – if not please go ahead anyway, you can catch up with the other vaccine later.

As with previous rounds of the COVID-19 vaccination, NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, will have vaccination sites around the region, the majority of which will be run by GP practices and community pharmacies, along with pop-up centres publicised on our website. 

Flu vaccines are available to everyone aged over 50 – ensuring protection against two dangerous diseases as we head towards the autumn and winter. These will be available for eligible people to book via their GPs or community pharmacy. Some eligible individuals may be offered the flu and COVID-19 jab at the same time.

First, 2^nd and 3^rd booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are also still available to anyone who hasn’t already had them – everyone aged five and over can get two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, with people aged 16 and over able to have two doses and a 3^rd booster vaccination too.

The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is still running a number of pop-up vaccination sessions, offering the chance to walk-in and get vaccinated without an appointment, across the county as listed on our website. 

Alternatively, it is possible to book an appointment online using the National Booking System or by calling 119.