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Sheffield residents urged to give themselves the best chance against COVID this Christmas by getting their booster jab this weekend

Health leaders are urging Sheffield residents to give themselves the best chance against COVID this Christmas and being one step ahead of the Omicron COVID variant by getting their booster jab this weekend.

This week there have been record numbers of vaccines given across Sheffield averaging around 8,000 each day and 18,000 across South Yorkshire every day on average. Following on from this, the NHS in the city are pulling out the stops this weekend to provide even more opportunities for people to book or walk in and get a 1st, 2nd or booster jab.

Anyone aged 18 and over who has had their second dose, three or more months ago is now eligible for their booster dose. Appointments can be booked from 2 months but the appointment date given will be from 3 months.

There are a number of ways to get your first, second and booster vaccination in Sheffield to make it as convenient as possible:

• You may receive an invite from your GP,
• You can book an appointment at a number of vaccination sites across the city through the national COVID vaccination booking website
• Call 119 free of charge and someone will help book an vaccination appointment for you.
• Turn up at one of the many walk-in or pop-up clinics being held in the city. Visit Sheffield Teaching Hospitals website: www.sth.nhs.uk or Sheffield CCG website: www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/news/walk-in-clinics-dec.htm

Professor Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “ By getting a jab over the next few days it means people will have increased protection in readiness for the big increase in COVID cases which we are already seeing in the city as well as enabling them to have a higher chance of not being seriously ill this Christmas from the virus. All the stops are being pulled out this weekend and next week to provide every opportunity possible for people to get a jab. GPs are putting on additional clinics and working longer hours to be able to vaccinate as many people as possible, even more pharmacists are opening longer and vaccinating and there are pop up clinics at the Moor Market, Sheffield Interchange and Vestry Hall in Burngreave to name just a few. Just visit www.sth.nhs.uk to find all the places you can get a jab up to Christmas and into the new year.”

Dr Zak McMurray, Sheffield GP and Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “Our GP practices are working tirelessly to vaccinate as many people as we can with the booster jab, as well as first and second doses, before the end of the year. It’s important to get fully protected sooner rather than later. Your local practice may contact you with an appointment to have your booster vaccination. Please accept this appointment if you have not already made other arrangement to get vaccinated. It takes up-to two weeks for your body to build up its immunity after your booster dose. If you get vaccinated this weekend, your immunity will be significantly increased heading into 2022.”

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield, said: “Whether it’s your first, second or the booster, getting your vaccine is the best way to protect yourselves and your families and loved ones this winter. We’ve already seen the huge impact that the vaccine roll out has had and we want to keep that going. We’re aiming to vaccinate thousands more people this weekend, so if you get the chance, do it and help us all arm ourselves with the best possible protection.