THOSE aged 18 and over in Somerset will be able to get their Covid-19 booster jab from tomorrow (Wednesday, December 15).

And so the Somerset Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is increasing its capacity to offer jabs - with new vaccination pods, and increased opening hours.

Dr Alex Murray, joint senior responsible officer for the programme, said they have looked at increasing vaccination slots at Firepool in Taunton, and extending the hours until 10pm at night.

However, the Gateway Centre in Yeovil is now no longer offering walk-in vaccinations, due to high demand. All jabs at this centre will need to be booked via the online system or by calling 119. 

Dr Murray said they are also looking at opening additional vaccination sites, and have spoken to places including Dillington House in Ilminster and North Petherton Rugby Club, as well as other sites.

"The Somerset vaccination programme began just over a year ago and, thanks to the enormous efforts of NHS and social care colleagues, and volunteers, it has achieved an incredible amount," he said.

"Now, following the scientific evidence about how quickly the new Omicron variant spreads, and the positive effects of a third “booster” vaccination, the programme is working very quickly to increase the number of vaccinations that it delivers every day.

“We are planning to do this by increasing the number of 'vaccination pods' in vaccination sites in Somerset where we can, increasing the opening hours of as many sites as possible, and looking very quickly at the whether we can open additional sites in Somerset.

"More information about these will be available in the coming days.

“We want to ensure that we are protecting the most vulnerable people in Somerset and are therefore continuing to work with GP practices in the county to visit those who are housebound, and to ensure that vulnerable patients on GP practice lists, are successfully vaccinated.

"You can help the programme by please not ringing your GP practice to enquire about your vaccination unless it is absolutely necessary.

"We will contact you."

Professor Trudi Grant, director of public health for Somerset County Council, is urging everyone to step forward and have their booster jab.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in the NHS to support the booster programme across Somerset," she added.

"The vaccination remains the best form of protection that we have in the fight against coronavirus, and scientific evidence shows the positive effects that a third ‘booster’ vaccination has on our immune system.

“Therefore, I would urge everyone to step forward for their booster when they are eligible to do so, and to remain patient with our NHS who are working very hard to increase the number of vaccinations they deliver every day.”

If you are eligible for a booster, or have not had your first or second dose of the vaccine, you can book a slot on the National Booking System online.

To book visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination.