NHS leaders in Gloucestershire are encouraging people who are eligible for a Covid-19 booster to get jabbed at a drop-in clinic this month.

Anyone who is eligible and more than six months from their second dose will be able to get their booster, without needing to book a time in advance. People also do not need to be registered with one of the local GP practices to attend.

Parents who wish to get their 12 to 15 year old children vaccinated outside of a school setting will also be able to take them to these additional drop-in clinics for a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine and are being urged to take up the offer as soon as possible.

Dr Andy Seymour, clinical chair, NHS Gloucestershire CCG, said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get their Covid-19 vaccines and for many people it's more convenient to drop-in without an appointment. We are asking people to think very seriously about the difference this can make this winter - helping to keep you, your children and wider families safe and even save lives.

"Due to the fantastic work of local vaccination teams and the great response from local people, uptake for boosters has got off to a good start, but as we head into the winter months, it's more important than ever that we all take steps to protect ourselves. This includes taking up the offer of a Covid vaccination if you're eligible for a booster or still in need of a first or second dose.

"I would also strongly urge parents to take up the opportunity to drop in with their 12 to 15 year olds. The vaccine is safe, will protect children from Covid-19 and help prevent further disruption to education, so please do talk to your children about taking up this offer."

Children attending vaccination sites must be accompanied by parents or guardians to be vaccinated outside of school and consent will be sought on the day. Parents and young people are being asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment which can be found here. 

People should not attend the drop-in service if they have symptoms of Covid-19 or have had a positive lateral flow or PCR test within the last four weeks.

Some of these clinics are offering appointments in addition to drop-ins, so please note that those with a booked appointment will be given priority. As no appointment is needed, people may experience queues on the day. People should take a face mask, unless exempt, as well as their NHS number if they have it.

The bulk of Covid boosters continue to be provided by appointment through the 11 GP-led community vaccination centres across the county. Local GP services will be in touch if they haven't already to invite eligible people to book an appointment. Please act when contacted.

People also have the choice to use the National Booking System website or phone number (nhs.uk/covidvaccination or dial 119) to book their booster at one of eight community pharmacies around the county.

People eligible for a booster (from six months after their second dose) include:

• Care home residents
• Health and social care workers
• People aged over 50
• Those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19
• Adult carers and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

Children aged 12 to 15 will still be able to access their vaccination in school if they prefer. Vaccination teams are working closely with education colleagues to schedule visits to every secondary school in the county over the coming weeks.

Over the next few weeks, drop-in vaccinations will be available at:

• Tuesday November 16 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre, GL14 2AN and 9am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green, GL13 9FB
• Wednesday November 17 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre and 9am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green
• Thursday November 18 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre and 9am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green
• Saturday November 20 8.45am-12.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre
• Sunday November 21 9am-2.45pm - Rosebank Surgery, Stroud Road, Gloucester, GL1 5JJ
• Tuesday November 23 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre and 9am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green
• Wednesday November 24 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre
• Thursday November 25 3.45pm-7.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre and 8.30am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green
• Friday November 26 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre
• Saturday November 27 8.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-5pm - North Cotswold Hospital, Moreton in Marsh, GL56 0DS
• Sunday November 28 9am-2.45pm - Rosebank Surgery, Stroud Road, Gloucester
• Monday November 29 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre
• Tuesday November 30 8.45am-12.30pm and 1.40pm-5.30pm - Old Cinderford Health Centre
• Wednesday December 1 9am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green
• Thursday December 2 8.30am-5pm - Unit C11, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College campus, Berkeley Green