01/02/2022 - Permalink

Coronavirus: News from our partners – Booster, fourth doses for the immunosuppressed

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service

People who are immunosuppressed are being encouraged to come forward for their booster dose – three months after their third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – if they haven’t yet already.

Being immunosuppressed means having a weakened immune system; and this can be due either to certain diseases or conditions, such as some cancers, AIDS, and certain genetic disorders, or as a result of receiving certain medicines or treatments like anti-cancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant.

A booster dose, which is a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those with a weakened immune system, helps to improve the protection immunosuppressed people have from their first three doses of the vaccine.

It helps provide longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Those with a weakened immune system will be eligible for their booster from three months (91 days) after their third primary dose.

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, immunosuppressed people will shortly receive letters from either their GP or hospital consultant to advise them they are eligible for an additional dose of the vaccine.

Steve Ellis, Deputy Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, is encouraging those that are immunosuppressed to go and get their booster dose of the vaccine, if they haven’t already yet and are eligible to.

He said:-

“I would urge those with weakened immune systems to come forward and get their fourth – booster – dose of the vaccine to ensure they have the maximum amount of protection; particularly as we see the easing of coronavirus restrictions in England, such as ending mandates requiring people to wear a face covering.

“Those who are immunosuppressed have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases, which is why this top-up of immunity is vitally important.

“They can go along to a walk-in vaccination site offering boosters. They will need to bring a letter from their GP or hospital consultant inviting them for either a third dose, or a booster following the third dose.”