Everyone eligible is encouraged to book a COVID-19 vaccination this spring and top-up their protection from the virus.
Vaccination clinic doors have opened across Dorset with more than 300,000 appointments available across the county until the end of June.
In line with expert advice people aged 75 and over by the end of June, older adult care home residents and those with a weakened immune system aged six months and over are entitled to a free vaccination.
The majority of appointments are available at pharmacies, community hospital sites and GP practices.
People can book an appointment via the NHS National Booking Service, on the NHS App, by ringing 119 or by booking with their local GP if they’re offering the vaccination.
If a suitable appointment at a preferred location isn’t available at first, the advice is to keep trying as more appointments are added to the national booking system each week.
As well as booked appointments via the NHS website and local GP booking systems, some pharmacies will be accepting walk-ins.
Additional community walk-in clinics will be popping-up across the county helping bring the vaccine out to those who may be isolated or less likely to get to a clinic on the high street.
A full list of Dorset clinic locations is available on Dorset HealthCare’s COVID-19 vaccination service webpages here.
Martin Sale, lead pharmacist for the vaccination service in Dorset, said: “Your protection from COVID-19 fades over time, even if you have previously been vaccinated, so it’s important for anyone aged 75 and over or with a weakened immune system to come forward for a spring vaccine.
“This will top-up your protection and help you avoid serious illness or hospitalisation.
“If you are unsure if you are eligible check the NHS website, and during your appointment a healthcare professional will talk you through it and make sure it’s right for you.
“With plenty of appointments available for anyone who is eligible, make sure you get yours before the end of June to keep you healthy throughout the summer months.
“Our clinics tend to fill up quickly at first, so don’t be disheartened if you can’t get a booking straight away – check again later.”