If you have severe immunosuppression, you may be at high risk of serious illness if you contract COVID-19. You may also be less able to sustain any protection from previous vaccination or exposure. More information is available on the government website.
What is immunosuppression?
Immunosuppression means you have a weakened immune system due to a particular health condition or because you are on medication or treatment that suppresses your immune system. People who are immunosuppressed, or who have specific other medical conditions, may have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases, including COVID-19.
Why have the COVID-19 vaccination?
By having a further dose of vaccine, you may reduce your chance of catching the COVID-19 infection. If you do catch COVID-19, the symptoms may be less severe and the illness shorter than if you had not had the extra vaccination.
Who can get the vaccine?
You are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination at any of time of year if you:
- have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy
Or - are aged 6 months and have a health condition, or are receiving treatment, that severely weakens your immune system
If you are in one of these groups, your specialist or GP can help you find a local appointment. Your GP will complete a patient specific direction form and advise you when to get vaccinated.
Pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals with sever immunosuppression are available at the following pharmacies in mid and south Essex:
- Sach Chemist,10 Broadway North, Pitsea, Basildon SS13 3AT
- A A Pharmacy, 98 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 3JT
- Ongar Road Pharmacy, 249 Ongar Road, Brentwood, CM15 9DZ
- Grange Pharmacy, 113 London Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9AX
- Ferry Pharmacy, 167 Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley, SS5 6JH
- Melbourne Pharmacy, Melbourne Parade, Chelmsford, CM1 2DW
- Osbon Pharmacy Witham, 1 Potter Court, Flemming Way, Witham, CM8 2ZJ
- Writtle Road Pharmacy, Crompton House, Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3RW
- Asif’s New Pharmacy, 247 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RF
- Kalson’s Pharmacy, 138 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS0 0RJ
- Leigh Broadway Pharmacy, Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 1SW
- Bansals Pharmacy, 178 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 3ES
- Bridgewater Pharmacy, 84 Bridgewater Drive, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS0 0DH
- Essex Pharmacy, 2 Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD