“We have enough supplies of vaccine to give boosters to all over 18-year-olds” – that is the reassurance from doctors leading the vaccination programme across the Isle of Wight as it is announced that all over 18s will be offered a booster jab between now and the end of the year.
In a bid to beat the Omicron tidal wave, the Government has confirmed that the vaccination programme is itself being given a boost in order to ensure all over 18s receive a booster jab by 31st December – a whole month earlier than originally planned.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine ‘is no longer enough’, but that 3 doses provide excellent protection against symptomatic infection.
Those aged 30+ can book their COVID booster from today (Monday), with those aged 18-29 able to book from Wednesday, providing it is at least 3 months since receiving the last dose. However, the booking system is under significant pressure with those struggling to access the online portal urged to try again later today or tomorrow.
Earlier today Island Echo reported on a number of walk-in clinics being opened at Westridge Centre in Ryde, starting this Wednesday.
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely is urging Islanders not to travel to the mainland for their vaccination, as slots will open up locally.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, has said:
“It’s really good news that the Prime Minister has announced an expansion of the programme so that all over 18-year-olds are going to be able to get a booster by the end of December.
Article continues below this advertisement “I can absolutely assure people that in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we have enough supplies of vaccine to give boosters to all of those over 18-year-olds. It is of course going to take us a little bit of time to work our way through the cohorts as we have done in the past and to expand the programme in the way the Prime Minister has asked us to, so thank you for baring with us. We will get round to you.
“It would be really helpful if people could not call their GP surgeries about this just yet as it is going to take us a bit of time to expand the capacity”.
Those who are unable to attend or no longer need their COVID-19 appointment are asked to cancel to free up slots for the lifesaving jab, as previously reported by Island Echo. Almost 2,000 slots were missed at the mass vaccination centres at St James’s Hospital, Portsmouth, Oakley Road, Southampton and Riverside on the Isle of Wight in the last week alone.
That’s all well and good, but trying to make an appointment on the app or website for a booster as soon as, is impossible as it doesn’t recognise the Isle of Wight – only Portsmouth or Southampton areas.
You may have enough vaccine, but people still are unable to book a slot on the isle of wight for a booster no matter how old you are. All i can get for my 60+ yr old partner is on the mainland ! ! !
This is good the island has enough vaccine, just not enough places to go and people to administer it!!!!
I have been trying to book a booster jab for over two months via the NHS app all I’ve been offered is Portsmouth,Southampton and as far away as Tolworth in Surrey
The app is not fit for purpose as far as the Isle of Wight goes
Same. Complete waste of time.
Ventnor GP’s are still to give Vaccine Boosters to two of our house/bed bound clients – currently 7 weeks over their original 6 months since 2nd Jab? I have written to MP, CCG, all to no avail still.