HEALTH and care chiefs are urging anyone who was jabbed in the early stages of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to come forward now for their booster vaccination.

Amid rising COVID-19 infection rates, tens of thousands of booster vaccinations have already been administered at vaccination centres across the county.

Among those eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination are older care home residents, frontline health and care staff, all adults aged 50 and over and anyone with an underlying condition which places them at higher risk.

Clare Watson, Accountable Officer of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Booster vaccinations are being delivered now at dozens of GP and pharmacy-led vaccination centres across Cheshire. If you're eligible, the quickest and easiest way to arrange your booster vaccination is online via the National Booking Service or by calling 119. There is no need to contact your GP practice.

"In line with national guidance, there must be at least a six-month gap between your second jab and your booster vaccination. Please be aware that you may be invited to a different vaccination centre this time around and, in some cases, a flu jab may be offered at the same time."

Vaccination is clinically-proven to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. It also provides protection against COVID-19 variants.

Rising COVID-19 infection rates across Cheshire provide a stark reminder of both the importance of vaccination against the virus and the ongoing relevance of the Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air guidance.

Cllr Val Armstrong, Cheshire West and Chester Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: "The COVID-19 vaccination programme has already made a huge difference to the impact of COVID-19 on our lives, both in terms of reducing the chance of people becoming seriously ill and by allowing people to get a little more normality back into their lives.

"I would urge anyone eligible for the booster vaccine to book their appointment as soon as possible.

"It's also really important to remember that testing, hands, face, space and fresh air are all still essential tools, alongside vaccination, to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 and look after each other."

Dr Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Daily COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions are both continuing to rise nationally. If we don't act now to protect ourselves and our loved ones we risk a return to more strict measures to reduce the spread.

"Get the COVID-19 booster vaccination as soon as you are offered it. It's in our hands to help reduce the spread to protect ourselves and others, and the NHS, especially as we move into the really challenging winter months."

Aside from the COVID-19 booster vaccination programme, everyone aged 16 and over can arrange first and second dose vaccination appointments via the National Booking Service or by calling 119.

Parents are also now able to book COVID-19 vaccinations for their 12 to 15-year-olds via the same service.

Clare Watson added: "Vaccination remains our strongest weapon in the battle against COVID-19 so please make sure you get your jabs. It is never too late to come forward to be vaccinated."

More information about Cheshire's COVID-19 vaccination programme is available here