Health bosses have issued a reminder that the Covid-19 primary course – and the booster vaccinations – are still available to the relevant groups.

Manx Care is also reminding people going on holiday to check whether they need to be vaccinated or a have proof of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

The Covid-19 autumn vaccine booster delivery schedule will be announced as soon as directions have been provided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

With a large percentage of the island’s population being offered this vaccination the logistics of the campaign are being worked on. These groups will also be offered the seasonal flu vaccine.

People should not yet contact 111 to try to book either an autumn vaccination of a flu vaccination, and wait until further details are announced.

All island residents aged 50 and over, along with individuals in further at-risk groups, will be among those offered a Covid-19 autumn booster and a seasonal flu jab to ensure increased protection ahead of winter.

Both the autumn Covid booster and flu jab will strengthen the immunity of those more susceptible to respiratory viruses and aims to keep more people out of hospital, especially during the colder season when viruses are spread more easily and health services are strained.

The booster announcement follows advice from UK’s Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation and covers the cohorts listed below:

Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults

Frontline health and social care workers

All adults aged 50 and over

Those aged five to 49 in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
Those aged five to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression

Those aged 16 to 49 who are carers.

This year the flu vaccination rollout will again be extended to all adults aged 50 and over, pre-school and primary school children and those in secondary school years seven to nine (aged 11 to 14), as well as those in clinical at-risk groups.
Full information on who is eligible for a vaccine and when to get one is available on the government’s website.

Who was offered an extra spring booster?

A second booster was offered to:

Adults aged 75 and over

Residents in care homes for older adults

Those aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems

You can book an appointment online three months (91 days) after your previous dose, but the NHS recommends a six-month gap.

People who have a severely weakened immune system are offered an additional (third) primary dose before their booster.

How long after Covid can I have a booster?

You should wait four weeks after a positive test, even if you have no symptoms.
Under-18s who aren’t at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks.

You shouldn’t have the booster if you have a severe illness or high fever.