As mentioned in my column last week, after two years, both vaccinations and the initial booster, COVID -19 finally caught up with me and my family.
It has made me even more thankful for the phenomenal vaccination programme, which has undoubtedly saved countless lives and built a wall of defence which has allowed us to learn to live with Covid. But the virus has not gone away, and we must continue to top up protection for those most vulnerable so we can continue to go about our daily lives with confidence.
This week, those in care homes, the over 75s, and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over will begin receiving invitations to a Spring Booster. The boosters will rightly provide a top up protection for those most at risk, and I urge anyone contacted by the NHS within these groupings to come forward for the jab.
In the first day alone, more than 75,000 booked their booster nationwide, and I thank the wonderful staff across the NHS who will deliver once again the rollout.
The vaccine is key to us being able to continue our everyday lives unencumbered by restrictions, so if you have not yet had a vaccine at all, then please get yourself at least some protection with a jab as quickly as possible; if you have already had your booster, encourage your friends and family to do the same. And if you are invited by the NHS to receive the Spring Booster, please come forward.
The vaccines are safe, effective and remain the best way of protecting yourself and others against COVID-19.
Locally, walk-in appointments are available in the grounds of the Bat & Ball Community Centre, and you can also book appointments with Sevenoaks Pharmacy through the national booking service: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
For the latest details on local vaccine providers please visit my website at https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/vaccine-update
And for up-to-date information on locations throughout the county visit: https://www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid19vaccine
