People in Devon are being urged to bring forward their second Covid-19 vaccination to reduce the interval between doses to eight weeks. They can either rebook their appointment or attend one of the many walk-in clinics being held around Devon.
All adults are now eligible to have the second dose of their Covid-19 vaccination eight weeks after the first.
The Government has recently brought forward a second dose for those under 40, shortening the interval to eight weeks for all age groups. Subject to supply remaining stable, this means that all adults will have had the opportunity to get a full course of vaccine by mid-September.
The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a dose interval of at least eight weeks should be maintained as evidence shows that this interval results in higher long-term protection, except in a few limited circumstances.
Sue Wilkins Director of Mass Vaccination, Flu and Testing at University Hospitals Plymouth said: “We have lots of walk-in clinics and booked appointments available, so whether you prefer to come at a set time or turn up when it’s convenient please come and have your Covid-19 vaccination. It will help protect you and your loved ones.”
If the UK government moves to Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown, from 16 August, people who have both doses or who are under 18 won’t have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has Covid-19.
Young people and those who have had both vaccine doses who are identified as close contacts will continue to be advised to take a PCR Covid test to detect the virus and variants of concern. Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status.
Details of walk-in clinics are being regularly shared on NHS Devon CCG’s social media pages. You can find your nearest walk-in clinic here
Booked appointments can be made through the National Booking Service or by calling 119. If you attend a walk-in session and have a booked appointment for a second dose, please remember to cancel it.
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