GPs in north east London are urging people to take up the offer of a booster jab, after the Prime Minister saw first-hand the work being done protect local people against Covid-19.
Boris Johnson visited Woodgrange Medical Practice in Forest Gate on Monday (15 November) where he met patients and staff delivering Covid-19 vaccinations.
Among those he spoke to was senior GP Dr Muhammad Naqvi, NHS North East London Clinical Commissioning Group’s clinical chair for Newham. He explained that local hospitals were still admitting many seriously-ill Covid-19 patients who were unvaccinated against the virus.
As the government announced booster jabs were being extended to people aged between 40 and 49, Dr Naqvi said: “As well as needing two covid jabs for protection, it’s important to remember your immunity reduces over time so everyone aged over 40 needs to some forward for a booster.
“Getting a booster jab will help you top up your defences and help prevent you getting sick.”
As well as offering first and second doses to unvaccinated people, the NHS began rolling out booster jabs last month at almost 100 local sites across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Hackney and the City of London.
Boosters provide vital extra protection against Covid-19 so it is crucial you come forward for your vaccine as soon as possible. If you are eligible, and if you had your second dose at least five months ago, you can pre-book a booster for when you reach six months from your second dose.
You can do this on the national booking system now or call 119, without waiting to be invited.
Appointments can also be arranged by ringing a local council booking line. Full details of these are available on the North East London Health and Care Partnership website.
How to book a booster jab: To find out if you are eligible for a booster jab, visit the national booking system (NBS). Once eligible, you can pre-book your appointment on the NBS website or by calling 119, without waiting to be invited. You can also simply walk in to any of the sites on the ‘Grab a Jab’ NHS online walk-in finder and get your booster jab if it has been six months since your second dose, with no need to book. Appointments can also be arranged by ringing a local council booking line. Full details of these are available on the North East London Health and Care Partnership website.
