Over 23s urged to come forward and get their jab
All people over 23 in England can now book a Covid jab and the County Council is urging younger people to come forward and book their vaccination.
This follows yesterday’s (Monday 14 June) confirmation from PM Boris Johnson that the final stage of the roadmap will be postponed until July 19 at the earliest.
This is due to the increase of the Delta Variant of Concern and the risk that this variant could see a significant resurgence in people needing hospital treatment if easing went ahead as planned.
The four-week delay will allow the government to meet it aims of having all adults having at least the first dose of the vaccine by the end of July. The reliance of younger people coming forward promptly is seen as vital for this to happen.
On top of over 23s, the council wants to remind people aged 18-22 who live or attend schools in Leek or Cheddleton there is a final chance to book onto the pop-up vaccine clinic which closes tomorrow.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director of health and care, said:
“We must bounce back from the disappointment of the four-week delay confirmation and put all our efforts to ensure Staffordshire is in a great position when the government reviews the data in 2 weeks.
“This means continuing to demonstrate caution and looking to our younger residents. We need to do all we can to encourage them to do their bit and take up the vaccination at the first opportunity.
“I would say to the younger generation - it’s your duty to come forward and get your jab. We are so tantalisingly close and there is still plenty left of the summer to fight for.”
The below people can now book their vaccination appointments:
you're aged 23 or over
you'll turn 23 before 1 July 2021
you're at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
you have a learning disability
you're a frontline health or social care worker
you get a Carer's Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you're a carer
Over 23’s do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS - people can book their vaccine by visiting the NHS Book a coronavirus vaccination website or calling 119.
Slots are still available to book for 18s and over in Leek and Cheddleton, people can find out more and book via www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leektesting.