GET the jab - that is the message from health chiefs as the number of unvaccinated people hospitalised with covid rises across Worcestershire.

People who have not had either dose of the vaccine or are due a booster are being told to book their appointment as infection rates climb across the county.

Boosters are currently available for people aged 50 and those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from covid.

Though the NHS will contact people when they are eligible to book anyone who has had their second jab six months and one week ago are told to attempt to book an appointment online.

Bookings are made via the national booking system, into one of the three Worcestershire vaccination centres: Artrix, Three Counties and Saint Peter’s.

Dr. Ian Tait, chair of Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG and a local GP said: “Booster jabs offer people who have had both of their initial vaccinations further protection against covid-19 by topping up their body’s resistance to the virus.

"I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take up the offer this winter.

“We must not be complacent about the current phase of the covid-19 pandemic and as we may also see higher levels of the flu virus circulating this winter, it’s more important than ever to take up the offer of more protection.

“If you haven’t yet had both initial doses of Covid-19 vaccine, I would encourage you to do so - it is not too late to book an appointment.”

Pfizer vaccines will be available as a walk-in at Outreach Clinic, Horizon HUB on Midland Road on Saturday (October 23) from 11am to 7pm.

Boosters are also available if you have had notification to get one from your GP. ID is required. 

The following people are eligible for a Covid-19 booster jab:

  • people who live and work in care homes 
  • frontline health and social care workers 
  • people aged 50 and over 
  • people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 
  • carers aged 16 and over 
  • people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections 
  • People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose. 

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “As numbers of Covid-19 cases in our local community continue to rise, we are still seeing a number of patients who are not fully vaccinated being admitted to our hospitals with Covid19.”

Those aged from 12 to 15 are still being contacted by their school but will also be eligible to receive their vaccine at a vaccination centre.

Letters will be going out to parents in the coming days with more information.

Anyone who is unvaccinated or has only had the first jab can still book walk-ins at nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine.