People living in Taunton who are aged over 70 and haven’t had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or booked a vaccine appointment, can now book at one of our large vaccination centres or pharmacy-led sites through the national booking service.
Health and care teams across the county are working around the clock to ensure that everyone in the top four priority groups as identified by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is offered the opportunity to get a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, aside from those who cannot have it for clinical reasons.
Alison Wootton, joint senior responsible officer for the Somerset COVID-19 Vaccination Programme explains more to Tone News:
Our vaccination sites are working hard to vaccinate people in priority groups 1-4, as quickly and safely as possible, with clinics taking place every day.
At the end of January over 112,000 of our most vulnerable residents had already had their first dose of the vaccine, and we’re really keen to make sure that everyone who is eligible has the opportunity to book their place as quickly as possible.”
If you are over 70, you can now use the national booking service either online, or by calling 119, whether you have received a letter or not. If you have already booked an appointment – please attend as planned.
People using the national booking service will have the option of making an appointment at a large vaccination centre or pharmacy-led site within a 45 minute journey.
Large vaccination centres in Somerset include: Taunton Racecourse and the Bath and West Showground and pharmacy sites at Morrison carpark in Yeovil, Boots in Taunton and Bruton Pharmacy at the Community Hall in Bruton.
People can also choose to wait to hear from their local GP-led primary care network if they prefer. Vaccination appointments are continuing to take place at community locations across the county, for people in the highest priority groups.
Other vaccination sites in neighbouring counties, which may be more convenient for people living near county boundaries, are also available through the national booking service.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine please visit the NHS website.