Health professionals at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are urging people to attend their appointments for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In Sefton over 154,000 people have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and those expecting their second dose are being asked to take up the offer as soon as they are invited at the same place they had their first. 

As we move into phase two of the vaccination programme Sefton’s GP led vaccination services, run by groups of practices known as primary care networks, are concentrating on going back to those people they have vaccinated to offer second doses at local sites.

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “If you had your first dose at one of our GP vaccination sites and haven’t had your appointment for your follow up, don’t worry – we will contact you when it is time for your second.

“It is important to get both doses as the first dose of the vaccine offers good levels of protection but to get maximum protection everyone will need a second dose.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “If you had your first jab at a GP-led vaccination service, you will be contacted before the 12 weeks, we haven’t forgotten you.

“If you booked your vaccine via the national booking service and made your first and second dose appointments at the same time, please remember to check when your second dose appointment is and make sure you attend.”

They are also reminding people who have been vaccinated to ensure that they continue to keep following the rules around social-distancing and mixing with others. People, no matter what their vaccine status, are also urged to continue getting tested as restrictions are eased, to protect themselves and their loved ones. You can collect home test kits or book a test for COVID-19 at a local testing centre by visiting the Sefton Council website or calling 119.

The focus now for the GP led sites in Sefton is ensuring second doses of the vaccine are delivered and that no one is left behind.

It is therefore even more important that people aged 50 and above, health and care workers, people with an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk and anyone called for a second dose take up the offer now.

Those in the priority groups in phase two, which are the 18-49 year olds will be invited via the national booking service. When you are invited you can book online at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. If you are over 42 and haven’t received a letter you can make an appointment via these channels without one. Otherwise please wait until you are contacted.

The NHS has been inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text with GPs also calling some patients.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’ and letters include a web link to click and reserve an appointment at a regional vaccine centre or a community pharmacy nearby.