Torbay patients receive spring booster

Many of Torbay’s most vulnerable patients received their Covid-19 spring booster last week.

The first ‘round’ of vaccination clinics, which are organised by Torbay General Practice, began at the International Riviera International Centre on Thursday.

Around 1,500 people received their booster on the first day, which was fully booked.

Further clinics were being held on April 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, with additional dates planned for the remainder of the spring and summer.

Paignton and Brixham PCN manager Nicci Hilson, who is overseeing the Torbay vaccination programme, said: “We’ve been delighted with the uptake of the spring vaccine, with the first five days fully booked.

“We need to emphasise that Covid hasn’t gone away and that the most vulnerable residents continue to receive the protection that the booster offers.

“This is now the fifth ‘round’ of vaccinations we’ve organised in Torbay. It’s been vital to have a local facility where the people of Torbay can get boosters – otherwise, they would have to travel to Exeter or Plymouth.

“This is particularly important given the age profile of the area is comparatively high.”

Torbay residents aged 75 or over on June 30, 2023, or defined as ‘severely immunosuppressed’, are eligible for their spring booster. This group includes people having treatment for conditions such as cancer or those with long-term chronic conditions, which puts them at greater risk if they were to get Covid.

Patients must make an appointment to have their booster on these dates as people turning up on the day not guaranteed to receive one.

Clinic organisers also asked that people don’t arrive before their appointment time to avoid queues building.

 You can book an appointment from April 5th, either through the national booking service or by calling 119 – not by contacting your GP practice.

Around 370,000 vaccinations have now been delivered in Torbay, with the next booster campaign already being planned for the autumn.

As well as the spring booster clinics, TGP carried out 1,477 vaccinations on care home residents between April 3 and 13. Patients registered as housebound began receiving their boosters from April 25. Those eligible will have been contacted by their GP practice letting them know the team are coming out, although exact dates and times cannot be specified.