CORONAVIRUS booster jabs have started to rollout across Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire for as the NHS prepares for Winter.

Texts and letters urging eligible people to arrange a top-up vaccine through the National Booking Service have started going out,

Those who have had their second vaccine at least six months ago and are eligible are being invited.

Those who are eligible for a booster now include those living in residential care homes for older adults; all adults aged 50 years or over; frontline health and social care workers; all those aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 and their adult carers; and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

Cllr Damian Talbot, Blackburn with Darwen Council's public health boss, said: "This is really welcome news.

"Vaccination is our best way of protecting ourselves and others from Covid-19, and I would like to encourage everyone who is invited to get the booster vaccine to do so.

"Booster doses are an important way of keeping the virus under control for the long term and will protect the most vulnerable through the winter months.

"Getting a top-up vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and the people you love.”

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for the North West NHS, said: "It’s exciting to see the next phase of the Covid vaccination programme begin as booster jabs are rolled out across the region.

"As we head into winter, it’s important we don’t drop our guard."