A third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is being offered to those with severely weakened immune systems.

It follows an announcement this week by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that those aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed, or were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose, should be offered a third.

It’s an extra dose rather than a booster, which is expected to be offered to vulnerable people at a later date.

An announcement on a potential booster programme will be made later this month.

Data from the JCVI shows some people who are immunosuppressed may not have responded as well to the first two doses of vaccine and therefore may have less protection against Covid-19.

Director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: ’People who have a weakened immune system are understandably concerned about their risk of illness from Covid-19.

’Though the evidence at an individual level is uncertain, offering the third vaccine to this group has the potential to give them added protection from the disease.’

The vaccination team is working with GPs and specialists to identify individuals who are eligible for a third dose.

Those who qualify will be contacted by letter and invited to register for the vaccine. The letter will need to be presented at the vaccination appointment.

A spokesperson for the team said: ’This third primary vaccine is an extra dose for those who are thought to not have generated a full immune response to the first two doses.

’In contrast, the potential booster programme will provide a later dose to extend the duration of protection from the primary course of vaccinations.’

Elsewhere, it was revealed this week that more than half of all 16 and 17 year olds have now received at least one vaccination against Covid-19, evidencing a high level of enthusiasm within the age group to be vaccinated against the virus.

A further clinic for this age group is being held on Saturday (September 11) at the Chester Street hub in Douglas.

They will be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine between 10.30am and 1.45pm.

Those wanting to attend will need to have registered with 111 and book in advance to receive an appointment time before attending.

Those who turn up without a scheduled appointment won’t be vaccinated. Additionally, the government has reiterated its message that individuals attending appointments should attend at the booked time and date.

Those unable to do so should ring 111 to let the team know as soon as possible.

In a statement, they said: ’Please don’t fail to turn up without providing notice as last minute no shows results in vaccine being wasted.

’Anyone who fails to attend an appointment without notice is asked to please ring 111 and confirm if they still wish to receive the vaccine.’