The NHS in Gloucestershire is reassuring people who are eligible for a COVID booster that they will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book in for their vaccination when the time is right, there is no need for them to contact their GP surgery at this time.

This comes as the Government has confirmed an expansion of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, with all adults over 18 to be offered a booster from three months after their second dose, instead of the previous six-month gap.

The bulk of vaccinations will continue to be provided by appointment through the GP led primary care network community vaccination centres across the county. Please note that these appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS), people will receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it's their turn.

Alternatively, some people may choose to book an appointment at one of 8 community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website (www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119). The site is currently open for over 40s, people aged over 16 with a health condition that puts them at risk and frontline health and social care workers. Further groups will be able to book appointments via NBS in the coming weeks.

Drop-in clinics will continue at some GP led primary care network vaccination sites through December, offering boosters for people aged over 50, 12-15-year olds - first doses and first and second vaccinations. Dates for the rest of the year will be released in the coming days (keep checking the NHS Glos COVID-19 website for details).

Dr Andy Seymour, clinical chair at NHS Gloucestershire CCG, said: "We understand that people will be keen to receive their booster as soon as possible.

"It's important that we prioritise those who are most vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19, so we will continue to invite older adults and those in at-risk groups first to ensure they are protected from the virus this winter.

"We want to reassure residents that they will be able to have their vaccination in Gloucestershire and local NHS services will contact them when it's their turn to schedule appointments. They do not need to call their surgery at this time.

"The good news is that it's really easy to book your appointment at a GP-led vaccination site when you get an invite or at a local community pharmacy through the national booking line or website. As soon as people get the offer, we would urge them to act and get vaccinated.

"This is an extremely busy time for local GP services and we are grateful for the public's support, their patience and understanding as Practice staff pull out all the stops to support the vaccination programme, whilst providing day to day medical care to patients."

The government has also announced that children aged 12 to 15 will be eligible for a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine from 12 weeks after their first. We continue to make good progress in offering a first dose to young people in this age-group and will make further announcements about how to access a second dose in due course.

Local people can get the latest information about the community vaccination programme and read the FAQs on the NHS Gloucestershire COVID-19 website.