LAST week, health and care partners in Hampshire and Isle of Wight came together to celebrate the continued success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. More than 4.2 million doses of the vaccine have been delivered locally so far, with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) area continually shown as one of the top performing in the country in terms of uptake.
Whilst this is a fantastic achievement, amid rising levels of COVID-19 in the community, the vaccine programme team are reminding people that it isn’t too late to get your jab. Everyone aged five years plus is eligible for at least two doses of the vaccine and there are bookable and walk-in clinics available at convenient times and locations across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
The COVID-19 vaccine programme is the largest in NHS history and seen millions of people come forward to get protected from the virus. We know that getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and those around you and are proud of everyone involved in the programme.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 vaccination programme has seen partners from health and social care, join up with voluntary and community services to make sure everyone eligible who wanted to get vaccinated or needed more information, was able to do so. Clinics continue throughout the summer and it’s important that people get protected now.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “This is a huge achievement and while it is important, we take the time to celebrate, we know there is more to be done. From general practice and mass vaccination centres to community pharmacy, hospital hubs and pop-ups in shopping centres, fire stations and festivals, everyone who supported the programme and has had their jab should be very proud.
“I would urge anyone yet to receive the vaccine or a follow-up dose to find their nearest walk-in or bookable session and get jabbed. There has been a 33% rise nationally over the last week in hospital admissions linked to COVID-19 and high levels of demand across all services, so please do what you can to protect yourself, those around you and the health services we all rely on.”
Anyone eligible who has not yet taken up the offer of a first, second or booster dose is strongly encouraged to do so to ensure they are as protected as possible from the virus. The offer of a COVID-19 jab is not time-limited so anyone eligible can have the vaccine – even if they have previously declined and changed their mind.
You can contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline on 0300 561 0018 (Open between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm at weekends) for help with booking an appointment or accessing information in languages other than English.
To cancel or move a COVID-19 vaccine appointment booked through National Booking Service, please visit the website or call 119 (open between 7am and 11pm daily).
If you need to cancel or move an appointment booked via a pharmacy or your GP practice, please contact them directly.