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Islanders Struggling To Secure Appointments For COVID Boosters

Booking appointments for COVID booster jabs on the Isle of Wight is proving next to impossible, frustrated Islanders have told Isle of Wight Radio.

Some of those eligible for a third vaccine say they have received invites, but when they go to book online, they are only able to secure appointments on the mainland.

Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG says slots only appear on the National Booking Service when available. It is advising Islanders. who are struggling to get an appointment, to "keep trying".

One resident contacted Isle of Wight Radio to say he has been attempting to secure a booking for seven days now.

He has been offered appointments in Portsmouth, Southsea and Southampton - but not on the Island.


It comes despite the CCG last week telling Islanders appointments are available and they do not have to travel to the mainland.

Stephanie Clark, Senior Clinical Lead for the Solent vaccination programme, said:

“The Riverside Centre is open for people to book their booster vaccinations via the national booking system as well as for anyone aged 12-15 who may not have been vaccinated in their school."

When asked why people were unable to get bookings on the Island, the CCG urged Islanders to call their GP practice directly.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said:

"The booster is available on the Island, sorry that the booking process is showing mainland centres. Please check back daily for new appointments to become available at the Riverside."

People in cohorts 1-9, where it has been at least six months since their second dose of the vaccination, are being invited for their booster jab.

This morning the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised the government that all adults over the age of 40 should be offered a third jab six months after their second dose.

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