Epilepsy Action is supporting the DHSC’s COVID-19 booster vaccine campaign.
The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) campaign is encouraging people with long-term health conditions to take up the COVID-19 booster vaccine.
The DHSC has previously explained that evidence shows two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection from becoming seriously ill from coronavirus for at least six months. However, as with the flu, winter will likely result in a rise in cases.
The NHS says a COVID-19 booster vaccine dose helps improve a person’s protection from the first two doses, and gives longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
People who are most at risk from COVID-19, and who have had a second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago, are eligible for the booster vaccine now.
This includes people aged 40 and over, people who live and work in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. People aged 16 and over can also get the booster if they have, or are the main caregiver for someone with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Over 16-year-olds who live with someone more likely to get infections, such as someone with HIV or receiving certain treatments for cancer, can also get the booster vaccine.
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed by the NHS as putting a person at a slightly higher risk from COVID-19.
Daniel Jennings, senior policy and campaigns officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on all our lives and it’s important we continue to protect ourselves – and others – from coronavirus. We are joining forces with other charities to urge people with long-term health conditions, including those with epilepsy, to get the COVID booster vaccine this winter.
“Studies have shown that people with epilepsy could have a slightly increased risk of being admitted to hospital or dying from coronavirus. A key part of beating the virus and keeping people safe is through vaccinations.
“This is why it’s so important that people with epilepsy who have already been vaccinated get the booster to help give them the best possible protection throughout the winter and beyond.
“It’s important to remember that the vaccines that have been approved for use in the UK have met the strict safety standards set by the medicines regulator. They have also been deemed safe for people with neurological conditions including epilepsy by the Association of British Neurologists.”
Eligible people can book a vaccination appointment online, go to a walk-in vaccination site or wait to be contacted by the NHS.