It’s not too late to have your Covid-19 vaccine first or second dose

People in Devon are being reminded it’s not too late to get their first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Having both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19 and the potential long term effects.  After the second dose  your chances of developing Long Covid halve; according to a study by King’s College London.  It also significantly reduces your chances of needing treatment in hospital and the severity of symptoms.

The success of the vaccine programme, delivered by local GPs and NHS organisations, is the main reason why Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Some people may not yet have got round to having the vaccine or were initially unsure about whether to have it but there’s still time to join the 935,930 people who have had their first dose and 872,675 who had both.

And younger adults can still become very unwell or develop Long Covid following an infection. Nine in 10 people receiving an initial Long Covid assessment in the south west were of normal working age according to statistics from NHS England.

Ross Bright from Devon is fit and healthy and in his 20s.  He caught Covid shortly after his first jab and was surprised how unwell he was: “My initial perception of Covid was that it was like a bad cold, but I was bedridden for a week with a chesty cough, incredibly sore eyes and a migraine.  I still have a chesty cough.  I’m incredibly grateful to have had the first jab.  My friend who hadn’t had either dose ended up in hospital.”

Leigh Mansfield Operational Lead for Exeter Greendale Covid-19 Vaccination Centre said: “We know some people were initially hesitant to have the vaccine, but it’s not too late. You will still receive a warm and friendly welcome from our staff and volunteers. 

“As the autumn weather gets colder and wetter it’s harder to meet friends and family outside. It’s really important to have both jabs so that if you do catch Covid you reduce the chances of passing on the virus and you’re less likely to be as poorly.”

How can I have the vaccine?

People can find their nearest walk-in clinic on NHS England’s site finder here or book via the National Booking System online or by calling 119.   Details of walk-in clinics are also shared on NHS Devon CCG’s social media pages.

First doses being given in Devon are currently Moderna or Pfizer in line with government guidance for people aged under 40.

Clinics offering second doses of Astra Zeneca

People who have had a first dose of Astra Zeneca (AZ) can have their second dose at various locations. 

Booked appointments are available through GPs at; Follaton House in Totnes, Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Cullompton, Dawlish Community Hospital, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Seaton Community Hospital and the English Riviera Centre in Torquay. 

Drop in AZ clinics are available daily at Greendale vaccination centre from 8.30am-7pm and at Frankfort Gate in Plymouth on Thursdays between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. 

Further clinics are due to be held at Barnstaple Leisure Centre. Dates and times will be shared on social media.

Vaccine take-up in Devon

More than 1.8million doses been given in Devon, with NHS data for Devon showing good levels of take-up. But the difference in take-up between first and second dose varies by nearly 10 percentage points for 30-34-year-olds and shows around 1 in 20 40-44-year-olds who got a first dose have not yet got the second one.  In most age groups more women have been vaccinated than men.