NHS Dorset has begun its Covid-19 booster vaccine programme and has urged those who are eligible to ensure they get jabbed.

Booster vaccines will be available through the NHS for people most at risk from the virus and have already had their initial two doses of the vaccine; with the second being at least six months ago.

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“Booster jabs offer people who have had both of their vaccinations further protection against Covid-19 by topping up their body’s resistance to the virus,” said Andy Rutland, GP and clinical lead for Dorset’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“We will be rolling out the programme in Dorset in line with the national guidance, offering those people who were in the initial cohorts a booster at least 6 months after they had their second jab.”

Those eligible include people who live and work in care homes, frontline health and social care workers, and people over the age of 50.

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People aged 16 or over with a health condition that puts them at high risk, carers over 16, people aged over 16 who live with someone who is more likely to get infections and those who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups are all permitted to get a booster jab.

Booster vaccines can be booked online via the NHS website.