04 March 2021
Appointments for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will begin to be available from next week for Islanders who received their first dose 10-12 weeks ago. This will be alongside the continued rollout of first doses for Islanders over 50.
Beginning from today, Thursday 3 March, Islanders who are above 80 years old and those who work in health and social care will start to receive SMS text messages or emails from the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme confirming the date and time of their second dose appointment.
Head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Becky Sherrington said: “I’m pleased we can start administering second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure our most vulnerable and at-risk Islanders receive the full course of the vaccination which offers optimum protection.
“These groups of Islanders will be the first to receive their second doses since we adopted the 10-12 week dose interval based on the JCVI guidelines which we follow.
“Completing the full cycle of the COVID-19 vaccination programme for these Islanders is incredibly positive. Despite the vaccines giving good protection after the first dose, it’s essential that Islanders attend for their second dose to make sure they’re fully vaccinated, giving themselves the best protection against COVID-19”.
Ross Barnes, Operations Lead for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “I’d like to reassure Islanders that the messages have been sent to them from our vaccination team and they shouldn’t be considered a scam. The SMS messages and emails will be staggered throughout the day, so if you do not immediately receive a message from us, please be aware that it will be on the way.
“Some Islanders will have relied on family or friends to help them book their first appointment. If you booked an appointment for a family member or friend using your own phone number or email address, please make sure to look out for the correspondence and ensure the details are passed on.
“We also had fantastic support from Parishes and the voluntary and community sector for Islanders booking their first appointments. If you booked your first appointment this way, you should expect for your parish or relevant organisation to contact you with your second appointment details. If you have any questions, you can call the Coronavirus helpline who will be able to advise.”
If Islanders over 80, have a partner who is over 75 and received their first dose together, they can book again through the Helpline, to have their second dose appointment at the same time.
If Islanders are unable to attend the appointment time they have been given, they should call the Coronavirus free helpline on 0800 756 5566 to reschedule.
gov.je