People are being urged to come forward for their Covid-19 booster vaccine when invited to boost their immunity ahead of the winter season.

The booster is being offered to those who were in priority groups 1-9 in the initial vaccine rollout (adults aged 50 and over and the most vulnerable) to provide them with increased protection from the virus.

As with other vaccines, immunity starts to decline after around six months so the booster is given to help extend protection against the virus.

So far, more than 11,000 Covid-19 booster vaccines have gone into the arms of island residents, meaning nearly 24% of those eligible for the top-up jab have come forward for one.

A booster dose has so far been offered to all health and care staff, nearly all adults living in a residential care home, and many elderly and vulnerable residents. Invitations to all those aged 70 and over - who had their second jab at least six months ago and whose GPs are not giving boosters - have now been sent.

GP practices taking part in the booster programme are in the process of inviting patients in this cohort to have theirs at the surgery.

These GP practices are: Finch Hill (Douglas), Peel, Ballasalla, Castletown, and the Southern Group Practice.

Patients from other surgeries will go to the Chester Street vaccination hub in Douglas.

Health minister Lawrie Hooper said: ’Passing the 10,000 milestone for booster jabs is great news and shows we are making steady progress since the rollout began last month.

’Vaccinations have weakened the link between Covid-19 cases and hospitalisation and deaths, but we can’t let our guard down.

’The pandemic is not over.

’Booster vaccinations are vital to build up and maintain our defences - to help our most vulnerable people, protect our health services and maintain our way of life.’

Mr Hooper said that invites had been sent out to the majority of those currently eligible, but there is a concern that ’a significant minority’ are not attending.’

The boosters will be one of the mRNA vaccines: Pfizer or Moderna. Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines are only given as boosters where there is a medical reason someone cannot get an mRNA vaccine.

Anyone unable to attend is asked to call 111 and let them know as soon as possible.

Booster jabs will be offered at least six months after the second primary dose, but there may be some who have surpassed this mark due to the rollout timing.

Anyone who has passed eight months since their second dose and hasn’t been invited for a booster is asked to please call 111 and provide their details.

Flu jabs are also being rolled out in the coming months, and possibly given at the same time.