John Healey has backed the urgent NHS drive on ‘booster jabs’ and called for more volunteers, after helping out at local vaccination centres this week.

The NHS is offering all eligible adults over the age of 18 a booster vaccination by 31 December, as well as continuing the efforts to deliver first and second doses.

After volunteer shifts at Bramley and Goldthorpe, John Healey said: “NHS staff from our GP centres are working flat out to deliver the booster jabs, often on top of their normal jobs. They need our help, in volunteering at jab sites and in stepping up for the vaccination”.

Recruitment has reopened for approximately 10,000 paid and 40,000 volunteer roles across the country, to join existing vaccine teams in protecting those who need it.

John said: “Our best defence against the virus and the best way to reduce the need for future restrictions remains vaccination, which is why the booster programme is vital.

“We owe a huge thanks to local volunteers, NHS staff and the military at our local vaccination sites. They’re pulling out all the stops in the run-up to Christmas but they need help now and into next year because Covid isn’t going to go away. It’s great to be part of the team helping people stay safe with the vaccination and I urge anyone who’s thinking about helping to get involved as we head into the new year. You can join the effort that’s saving lives and helping to get the country back to normal life.”

If you’d like to volunteer get in touch with the volunteer team in Barnsley on 01226 812183 or in Rotherham via email at roccg.rothhealthvolunteers@nhs.net 

The roles available are all flexible and range from vaccinators (paid and volunteer) and registered healthcare professionals to healthcare support workers, administrators and steward volunteers.