A coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine dose helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine. However, there is some confusion over the difference between third primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster vaccines.
Third primary dose
The JCVI recommend that a third primary dose is offered to people aged 12 years and over with severe immunosuppression around the time of their first or second COVID-19 vaccine doses. This is to support people who may not have had a full immune response to their initial two doses.
The timing of the third primary dose is based on an individual’s needs, but should ideally be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose. The NHS will contact you to let you know if you’re eligible for a third primary dose - eligible individuals will receive a letter which will allow you attend a walk-in session at a vaccine centre or community pharmacy. You will then also be eligible to have a booster dose 6 months after the 3rd primary dose.
If clinical vulnerable individuals are unable to access appointments in a timely manner they can contact d-ccg.devonvaccinationsupport@nhs.net and the team will make contact and support them in getting a local appointment.
Booster vaccine
The JCVI recommend that people in priority groups 1-9, who received their first two vaccines doses as part of Phase 1 (those 50 years of age and over, clinically extremely vulnerable and at-risk individuals, care home staff, frontline health and social care workers, people living with someone at high risk from COVID-19), should be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine no earlier than six months (182 days) after completion of their primary course. This is a booster dose to reinforce immunisation.
The NHS will contact you to let you know when you’re eligible to book your booster vaccine. If you have not been contacted and it’s been at least 6 months and 1 day (190 days) since your 2nd dose, please try to book your appointment using the National Booking Service or by calling 119: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/
Frontline health and social care workers do not need to wait for an invite but cannot receive their vaccine until 182 days after completion of their primary course.
First and second doses
It’s still not too late to have your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Book your vaccination through the National Booking Service or attend a walk-in clinic.
Find a walk-in clinic here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-v…