Surge vaccinations to start in Burnley amid variant concerns
It's one of six areas where more vaccines and tests will be deployed.
People eligible for a coronavirus vaccine in Burnley are being urged to come forward without delay, over concerns about the spread of the Indian Covid-19 variant.
Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Health Secretary Matt Hancock named Burnley as one of six areas where surge vaccinations and testing will be deployed.
The action is being taken to tackle the spread of rising cases of the B1.617.2 variant of concern first identified in India.
Mr Hancock said the vaccination programme "underpins" the Government's roadmap out of lockdown – but warned the race between the virus and the vaccine has "got a whole lot closer".
It's thought the Indian variant of coronavirus can spread quicker than the current dominant Kent strain,
Testing will be ramped up, which will include additional Mobile Testing Units, door to door testing and extra PCR test kits for community testing sites.
Following today's announcement, the Lancashire Resilience Forum is urging eligible people Burnley and the surrounding areas to book their first Covid jab without delay.
Vaccination of residents is according to a priority list, as set out by the Joint Committee on
Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), based on age and vulnerability of people and the risk of them becoming seriously ill and dying from Covid-19.
However, public health chiefs in Lancashire believe some people may not be aware they are eligible for a Covid jab, such as people who look after their family members or those who work with someone with an underlying health condition.
The current eligibility criteria to receive the Covid vaccine is:
• Aged 36 and over (or turning 36 before July 1)
• Aged 18 and over with any underlying health conditions
• Aged 18 and over AND living, caring or working with anyone with underlying health conditions
• Health and Social Care staff
• Any carers – paid or unpaid. You will not be asked for proof as unpaid carers are eligible.
Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire County Council, said: "Vaccinations remain the biggest weapon we have at our disposal against Covid.
"We believe many people are not coming forward because they do not realise they are eligible, such as those who provide help and care for their loved ones, even in an unpaid capacity.
"The next few weeks will be critical, but by coming forward for your vaccine if you are eligible, and by getting tested to stop the spread of the virus, we can help keep Lancashire safe."