Recent announcements from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the introduction of covid passports have seen a sharp rise in the number of people seeking a booster jab for coronavirus.
While plenty of booster doses are available, the national booking system has come under strain, and residents are advised to be patient when seeking an appointment.
Am I eligible for a booster jab?
You can get a booster dose if you had a 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago and:
- you are aged 18 or over
- you are aged 16 or over with a health condition that puts you at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- you are a frontline health or social care worker
- you live or work in a care home
- you are aged 16 or over and are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
- you are aged 16 or over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
How do I book an appointment?
If you’re eligible, you’ll be offered a booster dose at least 3 months after you had your 2nd dose.
Most people can:
- book a vaccination appointment online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy
- go to a walk-in vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment
- wait to be contacted by a local NHS service such as a GP surgery and book an appointment with them
People who work for an NHS trust or a care home will usually get their booster dose through their employer.
To book an appointment visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
Upon visiting the online booking site you may be placed in a small queue.
Where can I get a booster dose in Southport?
Leyland Road Church Hall (St Marks Pharmacy)
Leyland Road Methodist Hall, Leyland Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9JQ
Pharmacy2U Southport
Pharmacy2U, The Shakespeare Centre, 45-51 Shakespeare Street Southport, PR8 5AB
Ainsdale Vaccination Centre
Unit 1 Rear Of 56 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3HW
Formby Vaccination Centre
56 Brow’s Lane, Formby, Merseyside, L37 4ED
Can I walk in without an appointment?
The NHS booking website has not yet been updated to show the full list of facilities offering walk-in appointments, with Southport residents currently being advised to visit a centre in Kirkham 10 miles away, this is incorrect.
The vaccination centre at Leyland Road Methodist Church offers walk-in booster doses with no prior appointment, subject to availability. People with advance bookings will take priority. The vaccination centre advises that mornings are usually better for walk-ins and that the centre closes for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.
OTS has not yet been able to confirm whether other centres are currently accepting walk-ins.
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