Don't forget this free Christmas essential... your COVID-19 booster!

The NHS is urging Essex residents to take action to ensure a happy, healthy holiday season for themselves and their loved ones.

People at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 this winter are being offered booster jabs. These updated vaccines provide greater protection from COVID-19 and newer variants including Omicron.

This weekend, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is holding walk-in clinics for eligible people to get their vaccines.

Clinics will take place near Chelmsford, Southend and Grays town centres, as well as Braintree Retail Park – so why not pop in while you’re doing your Christmas shopping?

Find full details of walk-in clinics on the EPUT website: eput.nhs.uk/covid19vaccination/walkin 

Booster vaccines are free to all those eligible. They make us less likely to catch COVID-19, and less likely to become seriously ill if we do catch the virus. This means we can be there to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones.

An estimated 3.2 million people in England had COVID-19 between 25 and 31 December 2021, which sadly meant many people were unable to celebrate the festive season as planned.

Rebecca Pulford, Director of Nursing, Operations and Governance for the vaccination programme at EPUT, said:

“For the last two years, many of us have had our holiday celebrations affected by COVID-19.

“However you plan to celebrate, make sure you and your loved ones have the best protection they can get. If you’re eligible, have your vaccine and make sure you encourage any eligible friends and family to get boosted too.”

“We know it takes a few weeks for immunity to build up after you’ve had your booster, so now is the time to have your vaccine. Much like your Christmas shopping, don’t leave your booster until the last minute!”