Dorset near the top of the booster vaccination league

Dorset was among the best performing areas in the country in vaccinating our most vulnerable residents against COVID-19 this spring.

More than 90,000 people in the county had a booster jab during the recent campaign, making us the sixth best NHS vaccination system in England – and helping the South West become the most successful region overall.

The spring programme, targeted those most likely to become seriously ill from the virus, including people aged over 75, residents in older adult care homes and people who are immunosuppressed.

Almost 2,000 people a week are still being diagnosed with COVID-19 in England, and with some needing hospital treatment or even dying from the virus, the NHS continues to run a seasonal vaccination programme.

Mark Marriot, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in Dorset, said:

“We have seen an amazing response from the public and a continued effort from our vaccinating teams, supported by hundreds of volunteers, community pharmacy staff, primary care colleagues, hospital staff and Dorset HealthCare staff.

“As well as the huge numbers of people coming to vaccination centres and pop-up clinics, we made more than 6,000 house calls across Dorset and visited almost 200 care homes to make sure everyone eligible was offered a vaccination.

“Thank you to those who came forward for the jab, and also to the teams who are helping to continue to keep Dorset safe and well.”

Appointments for the spring booster vaccination are now over, though jabs are still available, by referral only, for people newly diagnosed as immunosuppressed or undergoing stem cell transplant. As well as children aged 6 months to four years, who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

The next booster vaccination programme will start early autumn, and more information about who will be eligible to top up their immunity will be publicised nearer the time.