Covid-19 vaccine drive continues in Norfolk
Drop-in clinics will be held on Bank Holiday Monday
Health leaders are urging everyone who is eligible but has not yet had a COVID-19 vaccine to get the jab this bank holiday weekend to protect themselves and those around them.
The NHS in Norfolk and Waveney is particularly appealing to 16 and 17-year-olds to step forward and get protected before the schools and colleges return in September.
It comes after data released today by NHS England and Improvement shows that Norfolk and Waveney is continuing to perform strongly in the national vaccination roll out. So far, 93% of people aged 18 and above have had one vaccine, while 84% have had both doses. This compares with national figures of 89% and 78% respectively.
Data also shows that nearly 10,700 people aged under 18 have already received one dose of the vaccine. People aged 16 and 17 became eligible for the jab just over two weeks ago, and will be able to get the Pfizer vaccine at a variety of different walk-in clinics over the weekend.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“We are really pleased with these latest vaccination figures, which again place Norfolk and Waveney as among the best performing in the country for delivery of this huge vaccination programme.
“In addition, it is fantastic news that so many young people have already taken up the opportunity to protect themselves, their family and friends by having the jab. They have missed out on so much in the past year – having the vaccine is the best way of getting back to doing the things they love.
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind people of the sensible precautions we should all continue to take against COVID-19 while we enjoy the long weekend. This includes wearing a face covering, keeping our distance from others and washing hands regularly so that we can keep one another safe and help stop the spread of the virus.”
Mike Passfield, Clinical Operations Director for the Large Scale Vaccination Centres added:
“It’s great news that so many 16 and 17-year-olds have already had their vaccination, as it is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our friends and families against COVID-19.
“We’re making it as easy as possible for young people to get their jab. No appointment is needed, and our friendly vaccination teams will be happy to answer any questions you have. Make the decision today to get your vaccine and let’s get back to normal together.”
Anyone who has not yet had their jab can drop into one of the many walk-in clinics which are being held over the weekend. This includes sessions taking place in Attleborough, Harleston, King’s Lynn and Norwich on Bank Holiday Monday (30 August), all of which are open to 16 and 17-year-olds. A full list of walk-in centres and opening times is available here.
Alternatively, you can wait to be contacted by the NHS to book an appointment, or use the National Booking Service, which is currently open to anyone aged 18 or over and to people within three months of their 18th birthday.
If you have already had the virus you should still have the vaccine, as it is the best way to stop yourself from becoming ill again in the future.