The spring drive to boost immunity against Covid-19 has kicked off in Dorset, with a second booster dose available for the most at risk groups.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised a spring jab should be offered to adults aged 75 and over, residents in a care home for older adults and those aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

Dorset's network of vaccination centres, pharmacies and primary care networks is ready to administer jabs as people in the eligible groups receive invites from the NHS.

You will usually be offered an appointment around six months after your last dose of Covid-19 and your vaccination may be offered to you by a service other than your GP.

A total of 29 sites in Dorset are now offering jabs with additional pop-up sites planned. And as well as offering booster jabs, they will also be giving the opportunity for anyone who has not yet had their earlier jabs to get them.

Prof Dawn Dawson, director of nursing, therapies and quality at Dorset HealthCare, which is managing the vaccination programme with partners, said: "As we have done throughout the programme, the Dorset health and care system is working closely together to provide a range of locations for people to get their vaccine.

"We have a high number of cases of Covid-19 in our communities right now so it's all the more important we continue to protect ourselves, particularly those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill."

You can book now on the national booking system or by calling 119. There are also walk-ins available at some walk-in vaccination centres.

There will be special arrangements to visit residents of care homes for older adults and those who are housebound and eligible for the vaccination. People are asked to be patient while everyone is booked in.

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