The NHS in Liverpool is stressing the importance of getting a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The first dose of the vaccine gives good protection from Covid-19 after around three or four weeks, but the second dose is needed for longer lasting protection.

Although the majority of people return for their second dose as planned, records show that a number are still outstanding locally, leaving individuals without the full benefits of vaccination.

Health leaders are calling on people to keep their second dose appointment, and making it clear that it’s not too late to get a second dose if you’ve now gone more than 12 weeks since the first.  

Until recently, people had been invited to receive their second Covid-19 vaccine dose between 11 and 12 weeks after the first. However, the government has now announced plans to reduce this to around eight weeks for over 50s and others at higher risk from Covid-19. If you think you're in this group, please wait to be contacted about your appointment.

People who booked their vaccination via the national booking service website or 119 make an appointment for both doses at the same time, while those who visited a GP-led vaccination site are invited back when their second dose is due.

Anyone who has now gone over 12 weeks (84 days) since their first dose and has yet to receive an appointment for their second dose should contact their GP in the first instance.

For more information about the vaccination programme in Liverpool, please visit: www.liverpoolccg.nhs.uk.