People in Rutland urged to get their vaccinations 'wrapped up' in time for Christmas
Extra clinics are being held this weekend
Health leaders in Rutland are urging everyone to make sure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for the festive season.
A Big Vaccination Weekend is taking place across the area this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (26-28 November), with extra clinics making it easy to get the vaccine.
Dr Caroline Trevithick, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “Now’s the time many of us start planning for Christmas and the New Year, and we want to make sure getting the COVID-19 vaccine is on your to-do list, if you are due for a jab.
“The vaccine takes a couple of weeks to reach its full effectiveness. With just four weeks to go until Christmas, this weekend is your best chance to cross it off your list and get fully protected before meeting up with friends and family for the festive season.
“Whether you’re due your first, second, third or booster dose – it’s really important that you take advantage of all the clinics available this weekend, and get your life-saving vaccine now.”
Leicestershire County Council public health director Mike Sandys said: “Unfortunately Covid rates have risen to their highest ever levels locally but the vaccine is the thing that is keeping the wolf from the door and reducing the pressure on the NHS locally.
“Getting your jabs and boosters continues to be absolutely the most effective way to protect ourselves, our friends and our families. This is so important going into the winter when people will be gathering indoors more often and there will be a greater risk of transmission.”
The COVID-19 booster vaccine ensures you have continued protection over the winter. You can have a booster if you’ve had a first and second dose of the vaccine, your second dose was at least six months ago and one of the following applies to you:
• You are aged over 40
• You have a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19
• You live with someone who is at high risk of getting COVID-19
• You are a carer
• You are a frontline health or social care worker.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.