People in Cambridgeshire urged to come forward for Covid vaccine
Over a million have been given already in the area.
A call has gone out across Cambridgeshire urging everybody aged 18 and over to get their life-saving vaccine jabs.
The plea comes from Cambridgeshire County Councillor Richard Howitt, the new Chairman of the Joint Administration's Adults and Health Committee, amid concerns in the rise in cases nationally due to the more infectious Delta variant.
Cambridgeshire County Council is working closely with health partners to make sure that all communities can access the vaccine.
With everyone over the age of 18 now able to book in for the lifesaving vaccine, eligible people are being urged to get their first or second jab as soon as possible. People aged 40 can now also book their second jab on the national booking system from eight weeks after their first dose. Walk in vaccination clinics where you can get your vaccination are also available in certain areas locally.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Richard Howitt, Chairman of the Adults and Health Committee, said:
"If you are 18 or over the message is clear - get your jab. This is not the time to be hesitant - this vaccine is the best way out of this crisis and by having a jab you are helping to protect yourself, loved ones, work colleagues and your community from serious illness. We are in a race against the Delta variant but we can win if people come forward and receive a jab."
"The NHS has done a brilliant job in delivering over one million doses in just six months across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and more than 60 million doses nationally. The vaccine has been proven to be clinically safe with serious side-affects very rare, whether it is AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer. Cambridgeshire County Council is working closely with health partners to encourage all our communities to get the jab, such as promoting the walk in vaccine clinics and making sure hard to reach groups have access to information and advice.
"I'd like to thank in particular all our colleagues in health, public health and social care, whether employed by the Council or by other organisations. Their hard work during the pandemic, often going above and beyond the call of duty, really does keep people who receive care and support safe during this challenging time. The local NHS and social care providers have also gone to huge efforts to make sure vulnerable people and frontline workers have received the jab. We will continue to work closely with them until everyone is protected.
"The vaccine is providing real hope, but I would also ask people to follow the government instructions of hands, face, space and fresh air and make sure you take a rapid flow test twice a week. It couldn't be more simple - get your jab, take a test and follow the rules - it could save your life."
Studies have found the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 96 per cent effective against hospitalisation after two doses, while the Oxford-AztraZenaca is 92 per cent effective.