'Book your Covid jab now, before the supply shortage kicks in'

Devon's NHS is urging everyone eligible for a Covid jab to book an appointment in March before the shortage of supply takes effect.

The NHS expects to have fewer doses of the vaccine available in April, but says there are 'thousands of spaces available' this month.

Anyone aged 50 or above, or who has an underlying health condition, or who works in health or care, is eligible.

The NHS also said people who have an appointment for their first or second vaccination in the coming weeks should rest assured that there is enough of the vaccine available for them.

Dr Paul Johnson, clinical chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The supply constraints mean fewer vaccinations will be happening in April, but the good news is we have thousands of spaces for vaccinations in Devon before the end of the month.

"If you are over 50 and you haven't had the jab yet, now is the time to book a space before the supply issues kick in.

Dr Johnson added: "We have enough vaccine for everyone who is due a second dose to get it. I know some people are concerned about safety or availability but I can assure people that it's safe and it's really important that they get that second dose and that we will have it available."

How do I book my Covid jab?

Making an appointment is simple:

• Use the National Booking Service via the website or by calling 119
• The National Booking Service offers appointments at large vaccination centres or the selected community pharmacies that are offering the jab: o Large vaccination centres at Westpoint Exeter and Home Park, Plymouth (or Taunton Racecourse in Somerset and the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, if more convenient)

The local pharmacy site is at Lewis Pharmacy, Exeter Road, Exmouth.

• Anyone who has been invited by their GP practice to make an appointment should do so in the next few days.

GP practices in Devon are especially keen that anyone who is clinically vulnerable (JCVI group 6 – people aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality) takes up the offer of a vaccine.

Most people in this group will have been contacted by their practice in recent weeks and doctors are keen to book in anyone who hasn't yet responded to fix up an appointment.

The nine priority groups, as set by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation encompass:

• Everyone aged 50 years and over
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People who are clinically extremely vulnerable
• People of any age with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality. This group includes those who are in receipt of a carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
• Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers.

It is estimated that taken together, these at-risk groups account for 99% of all deaths from Covid-19.

Anyone who isn't sure whether they're eligible for a vaccine can find out from the NHS website