FROM Monday, March 21, the national Spring booster programme, for COVID vaccination booster doses, began.

This is for anyone aged 75 and above and anyone aged 12 and above who are immunocompromised.

The vaccinations are not being delivered by the PCN or individual GP practices, allowing them to focus on already incredibly busy practice services. Good local providers (such as Devon County Council) will be offering walk-in clinics at the usual local venues in Holsworthy and Bude throughout March, April, May and beyond. Dates and venues for these are available through practice websites and they will be being added to.

People should not call their surgery about the booster programme. Call 119, who will advise.

Those aged 12 and above, who are immunocompromised, must have a gap of three months since their last dose.

Those aged 75 and above must have a gap of six months since their last booster/dose.

Outreach services will be providing booster vaccinations to care homes and to housebound patients who are 75 and above.

Local surgeries will not be calling or contacting patients individually about their boosters, but will be working in other ways to ensure that everyone eligible for a vaccination is aware that they are happening.