Around 61 care homes have already been visited while a further 15 homes have visits scheduled within the coming days and weeks, as part of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme.

With all of the homes either visited or with visits booked, local GP, community nursing and pharmacy teams are working to make sure that the remaining care homes can book their booster vaccine clinic as soon as possible, as the NHS rollout intensifies ahead of winter.

The NHS is vaccinating in line with guidance set by the JCVI which says that eligible groups can have a booster shot, a minimum of six months on from their second jab for maximum protection.

Around 350,000 vaccines in total have already been given and nearly 9 out of 10 Barnsley adults have had their first dose since Herbert Barker from Wombwell was the first to have his back in December 2020.

Andrea Parkin, lead for the Barnsley GP NHS vaccination programme, said:

“NHS staff are working flat out to vaccinate eligible groups ahead of winter – it is testament to them that just four weeks after we kicked off the booster rollout that we have already provided well over 25,000 boosters to eligible Barnsley people.

“Not only that but local general practice teams are going out to protect the most vulnerable – care homes have either already been visited or have a visit booked in for the coming days and weeks.

“The booster is a reinforcement for the immune system, strengthening and prolonging protection against the virus, as we go into the winter period. So, if you have been invited, or a family or friend has been invited – please do come forward”.

The NHS will contact you to offer you a booster vaccine if you are eligible and it has been at least six months (182 days) since the date of your second vaccine dose. Anyone receiving an invite should come forward as soon as possible to get crucial protection.

You can book your booster, or first and second vaccine on www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.