HEALTHCARE leaders across Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin, have reaffirmed the importance of residents getting their second jab when invited, in order to keep up the fight against Covid-19.

The second dose of a vaccine gives everyone the strongest possible protection against coronavirus and for Dr Charlotte Hart, GP and clinical director for Shrewsbury Primary Care Network (SPCN), it is vital people get their second dose, especially where they received their first.

She said: “It is important people attend their second dose vaccination when they are invited to do so.

“Recent evidence shows that some people are mistakenly thinking that they are fully protected with just one dose, but a second jab is vital.

“We know protection lasts for much longer with both doses of a vaccine.

"The vaccines have been through extensive testing and are safe, but one dose won’t give you full protection. People only have maximum protection if they have both parts.

“We are also asking everyone to prioritise attending their second dose appointment, because these are timed in accordance with your first dose to ensure you can receive it within 12 weeks.

“You will need to attend at the same location as your first vaccination (or the location indicated on your appointment confirmation, if this has been changed) as the vaccine supply is ordered by where you received your first dose.

“Missing your second dose appointment also means leaving a vacant appointment that could be used for someone else, or could mean the vaccine is potentially wasted.”

People in Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin, who booked their first appointment through the National Booking Service will have booked both their first and second appointments at the same time, and can log in at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine to be reminded of their arrangements.

People who called 119 will have been given details of their second appointment over the phone.

People who received their first dose through a GP service will be contacted to receive the second part of their vaccination, approximately 11 weeks following their first vaccination.

They do not need to contact the NHS. However, if they are not contacted, they should call the practice that organised their first appointment.

First vaccination appointments are currently open to anyone aged 40 and over. To book an appointment people should go to www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or call 119 as soon as possible.