Covid booster vaccine rollout starts at Cheltenham care home

Covid booster vaccines are now being offered to priority groups (pictured: Norma, Astell’s oldest resident at 102 years old, getting the vaccine). Credit: Lilian Faithful Care

Residents at a care home in Cheltenham are among the first people in the country to receive their Covid booster vaccines.

Those living at Astell House are being offered a third jab, provided they had their second dose at least six months ago.

The booster rollout is the latest stage in the NHS’ vaccination programme, which will start at certain hospital hubs.

It is hoped the booster vaccines will then be made available by GPs as well as local vaccination centres and pharmacy-led sites.

The vaccination team at Astell House in Cheltenham. Credit: Lilian Faithful Care

Dr Nikki Kanani, who is a GP and deputy lead for the Covid vaccination programme, said: "Alongside one of our busiest summers in the NHS, our hardworking staff have also been gearing up to deliver the autumn booster programme, to give further protection to healthcare and social care workers and those most at risk from the virus.

"Now that the decision has been taken by the JCVI and once the relevant checks are in place, the NHS will invite you for your booster jab. 

Who is eligible for a booster vaccine?

  • those living in residential care homes for older adults

  • all adults aged 50 years or over

  • frontline health and social care workers

  • all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers

  • adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

  • Local areas have already been identifying and vaccinating people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed with a third jab following updated guidance from the JCVI in early September.

The NHS made history when Maggie Keenan received the first Covid jab outside of a clinical trial in December 2020.

In the nine months since then, 77 million vaccinations have been delivered - with four in five adults already receiving both doses.