Booster walk-in clinics begin tomorrow

Six walk-in clinics have been arranged on the island to "get ahead of the Omicron surge".

From tomorrow morning (Saturday), anyone over the age of 40 can get their vaccine booster at a walk-in clinic at the Chester Street hub.

The move comes after the Manx government set a new booster target in response to the Omicron variant.

From tomorrow the daily target is being increased from 1,000 people a day to 1,700.

A government spokesman said it's to get "as many vaccines in arms as possible before Christmas Eve".

The Isle of Man government hopes to complete the majority of the booster programme by the end of January 2022.

Health Minister, Lawrie Hooper said: "We are upscaling the booster vaccination rollout at pace, to get ahead of an expected surge in Omicron cases and avoid the extra demand this will place on our health and other essential services".

Walk-in clinic details:

-They are being held at the Chester Street hub in Douglas.

-They are open to anyone aged 40 and over and those who are medically vulnerable regardless of whether they already have an appointment.

-The extra slots are in addition to existing appointments.

-There is no need to cancel a booked appointment, those who wish to retain their pre-booked appointments can do so.

-While plenty of vaccine will be available each day, booked appointments will take priority.

- Jabs will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

-It is possible, depending on demand, that some people will be asked to return the following day if the session they attend reaches full capacity.

Walk-in clinic times:

Saturday 18 December - 9.30am - 1pm

Monday 20 December – 8:30am – 15:45pm

Tuesday 21 December – 8:30am – 15:45pm

Wednesday 22 December – 8:45am – 15:15pm

Thursday 23 December - 8.30am until 12:00pm

Friday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 8.30am – 12:00pm