Stithians Vaccination Centre is to reopen as part of plans to deliver around 9,000 booster vaccines a day in Cornwall before the end of December.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s NHS has stepped up to the national call to offer everyone aged 18 and older a booster jab by the end of this month, following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday night. It hopes to deliver 172,000 booster vaccines in that time.

NHS Kernow said: "We have so far given one million vaccines in a highly successful programme and at the moment we are vaccinating 4,000 people a day.

"Health leaders are working alongside local GPs, pharmacists, and nurses to agree a detailed plan that will include asking staff to support extra vaccination clinics, and in-line with national NHS guidance, working with primary and secondary care colleagues to agree what routine appointments need to be paused to allow the vaccination programme to be prioritised."

It has been agreed today that the mass vaccination centre at Stithians Showground is being reopened for people to receive their jab from this Sunday, December 19, having closed back in September. More details on this will be given later in the week.

How people can book their jab

From today, anyone older than 30 can book their appointment online via nhs.uk or calling 119. From Wednesday anyone aged 18 and older can book their appointment.

Anyone who received their second dose within the past three months can book their appointment by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk – and it’s not too late for people to book their first or second dose if they’ve not yet received any protection.

People are asked to cancel an appointment if they no longer need it to free it up for someone else.

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"There are plenty of vaccine and appointments available, but please be patient as we are experiencing overwhelming demand. Please also be kind to our NHS staff, who are working tirelessly to deliver our vaccination programme," added NHS Kernow.

More clinics – including walk-ins – are being organised, and people should keep visiting kernowccg.nhs.uk for details.

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Keeping safe

NHS Kernow said people should continue to wear face coverings in public and crowded settings, wash their hands regularly, keep rooms ventilated, get tested regularly and isolate if they or anyone else at home has symptoms of Covid-19.

It added: "Please support our NHS by using the most appropriate service. If you don’t need to talk to a GP or nurse, and if you have a condition that isn’t urgent then please consider waiting just a bit longer before getting help.

"Please call your GP if you are worried about something such as a lump or have blood in your wee or poo, or you have a condition that isn’t getting any better. The NHS is here to support you and you will be seen in person if you need to be examined.

"Your local pharmacist can help with minor ailments such as cystitis, conjunctivitis, impetigo, and rashes. They can also provide over the counter remedies to treat coughs and colds.

"Call 111 if you need health advice, or think you need to be seen in a minor injury unit, and keep 999 and our emergency departments free for life threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes."