HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits with health conditions can now book in for their third Covid jab online.
Around 400,000 immunosuppressed people are able to get slots for the next dose – which is different to a booster.
This is because people with immunosuppression haven’t been able to generate antibody numbers from their two jabs to properly fight off Covid.
In line with JCVI guidance, those who are classed as severely immunosuppressed as a result of treatment, for conditions such as cancer or for those with long-term chronic conditions where their immunity is affected by medication, are eligible for a third dose eight weeks after their second dose.
So far more than three quarters of those who are severely immunosuppressed have had a third Covid vaccination.
And from today, adults eligible for a third dose and have received a clinical referral letter from their doctor can go online and book an appointment.
The NHS Covid-19 vaccination booking service will offer an option to ‘book my 3rd dose appointment’.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “NHS staff continue to deliver first, second and third doses, to those who are eligible, alongside administering around 14 million boosters in just over nine weeks.
“Decisions on when to get a third dose remains between a patient and their clinician who knows about their ongoing treatment – more than three quarters of people who are severely immunosuppressed have had their third dose so far, and from today people can also book in online with a letter from their GP or clinician.
“It’s incredibly important that people get the full recommended course of Covid vaccines, especially those most at risk from the virus – boosters and third doses are not a nice to have, they are the best way to protect you and your loved ones this winter.”
The decision on when to get a third jab for people who are severely immunosuppressed is made between patients and their clinicians, and the majority of third doses are being administered through hospital consultants and GPs.
In line with JCVI guidance, the third dose for those with severe immunosuppression should usually be given at least eight weeks after the second dose.
Charities such as Myeloma UK have warned patients could be missing out on vital vaccines because of the confusion between the jabs.
Many patients have been left frustrated over the muddle – which has meant that for some, their vaccine status isn’t showing in their NHS app.
And others say their third dose of the vaccine has been confused with a booster shot.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said in September that a third dose should have been offered to people who were in this category at the time of their first or second dose.
They explained: “These people may not mount a full response to vaccination and therefore may be less protected than the wider population.
“This offer is separate to any potential booster programme.”
