30/04/2021 - Permalink

People aged 40 and over now eligible to book their first vaccine appointment

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

People aged 40 or over are now being invited to book their first jab as the vaccine rollout against COVID-19 continues at pace.

The nationwide programme has been expanded three times this week, and will see millions more get their first dose.

More than two thirds of Shropshire residents have already received their first vaccination since the rollout began nationally in December 2020.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-

“The vaccination uptake in Shropshire is really good, but it is important that week keep up the momentum.

“The fact that everyone aged 40 years and older is now eligible for the vaccine is really positive news. I would urge anyone who is eligible, to book their appointments as soon as possible.

“The vaccine is safe and effective and is an important measure, alongside regular Lateral Flow Testing and the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ guidance.”

When invited, people will be able to book at a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy site across the country through the national booking service.

Those eligible have started to receive invitations via text, with letters to follow next week.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines: AstraZeneca/Oxford University, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Moderna; all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the UK’s world-leading medical regulator the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).

Further information

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

  • Work from home if you can
  • Limit contact with other people
  • Keep your distance from people not in your household bubble (at least 2 metres apart where possible)
  • Stick to a maximum group of 6 people when meeting outdoors
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
  • Wear a face covering in any enclosed public places and public transport, along with any indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.
  • If you have any symptoms, please book a test and do not leave home until you have either a negative result, or you have isolated for at least 10 days if you do not take a test – you may continue to isolate longer than 10 days if you continue to experience high temperature.
  • People living in households with a positive case should self-isolate for 10 days.
  • Any contacts of a positive case must self-isolate for 10 days – even if they are asked to get a test and the result is negative, they must complete the 10 days of isolation. Click here for the latest self-isolation guidance.
  • You can book a test by calling 119 or click here

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (Lines are open Mondays-Fridays 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-1pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.