ONE of Warrington’s vaccination leaders is calling for all eligible residents to make getting a Covid booster jab a priority this Christmas.

The NHS in the town is urging people to get their booster vaccination, which should be ‘at the top of Christmas lists’, to protect themselves and others over the festive period.

Everyone aged 18 and over can now book their coronavirus vaccinations through the online booking service or by calling 119.

Around 75,000 people in Warrington have had their booster so far, but with thousands more now eligible, doctors are encouraging people to get the jab as soon as possible.

Among those is Folly Lane Medical Centre GP Dr Laura Mount, who administered the town’s first Covid vaccination and was named as a ‘jab hero’ recently by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on national TV.

She said: “We are expecting a huge rise in cases over the next month, and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get a booster as soon you can.

“We know that the booster protects against the new variant, so with Christmas just over a week away, it is really important that we are all as protected as we can be.

“We know everyone is busy at this time of year, but please do not wait to get your vaccine.

Warrington Guardian: ‘Booster should be top of Christmas list’ says GP expecting huge rise in Covid cases (Image: PA)‘Booster should be top of Christmas list’ says GP expecting huge rise in Covid cases (Image: PA) (Image: PA)

“Book your vaccine as soon as you are invited and protect yourself and those around you.”

The Government has raised the Covid-19 threat level from three to four, with the UK’s chief medical officer and NHS England medical director warning that the emergence of Omicron adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.

In line with national guidance, there must be at least a three-month gap between your second jab and your booster vaccination.

In Warrington, booster vaccinations are being delivered at a number of local locations.

Please be aware that in some cases, you may be required to travel for your vaccination appointment.

If eligible, you can arrange your booster vaccination at a local clinic online via nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

You can also call 119, respond to an invitation from the NHS, attend a local walk-in vaccination clinic or visit warrington.nhsbookings.com/v2/

The NHS will notify you with the details of local pop-up vaccination clinics as and when they are available.