ELDERLY Wellington residents have been refused Covid booster jabs after the town’s community hospital ran out of vaccine supplies.

They have been told they now have to wait until the autumn because the NHS spring campaign officially ended on Tuesday (June 17).

The NHS ran a campaign encouraging people to make appointments if they were aged 75 years or older or if they had certain underlying health conditions.

It recognises Covid can be more serious for older people, those in care homes, and those aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.

Retired Wellington Town Council clerk Tony Brown was one of the people turned away from the community hospital clinic last week.

Mr Brown told the Wellington Weekly he had travelled back from his chalet on Dunster Beach to keep the Covid booster appointment but was refused.

Mr Brown said: “It was a bit disappointing not to have the jab.

“There was no explanation, they just said they did not have the stock, as simple as that.

“Obviously, lots of other people in the town will be affected as well.”

An NHS Somerset spokesperson was unable to say how many people missed out on their vaccine dose last week.

They said: “We are sorry to hear about anybody missing out on a vaccination.

“We always do our best to manage supplies, but, very occasionally, we get higher than anticipated demand on the day of a session.

“People who have a severely weakened immune system may be eligible for a Covid vaccination between the seasonal campaigns and can speak to their GP or specialist clinician for more information.

“There is not long to wait for the next Covid booster campaign, invitations to anybody eligible will be sent in the autumn to get the best protection possible ahead of the winter season.”