Vaccine rates increase in Norfolk & Waveney
Young people are being encouraged to get theirs
Last updated 19th Jun 2021
Health leaders in Norfolk and Waveney are urging young people not to delay and to book their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as the NHS invites all adults to get a life-saving jab.
Everyone aged 18 and over is being urged to arrange a jab if they have not had one as the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme, the biggest in health service history, begins the final push to protect the country.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) urged young people not to delay and to book the life-saving jab as soon as possible.
She said:
"Vaccines represent the best way out of this pandemic and the road back to normality and reclaiming our freedoms.
"We know the COVID-19 vaccination is our best protection against Coronavirus, so I would like to make an impassioned plea to everyone who is eligible in Norfolk and Waveney to get their vaccine. If you are eligible for a vaccine, please don't delay and book it as soon as you can. Getting the life-saving COVID-19 jab is the most important thing you can do to safeguard yourself and those you care about.
"We know that getting both doses is vital to maximising the positive impact of the vaccines, if you're offered the chance to bring forward your second jab, please do so and most importantly come forward for both appointments and get this essential protection from COVID -19."
She added:
"I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been working tirelessly on the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine programme in Norfolk and Waveney. It has been an incredible effort and is a testament to the dedicated work of colleagues and partners across the area."
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens described the announcement to invite everyone over the age of 18 to book their jab as a "watershed moment", adding:
"Whoever you are, wherever you live, if you are aged 18 or older and you are yet to book your Covid jab, today should be the day you make that happen."
According to data published by NHS England and NHS Improvement 82% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received their first dose, putting the area second out of the 42 health and care systems in England. Some 76% of adults in England have received their first dose.
Some 64% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 56% of adults in England. This puts the area fourth out of the 42 health and care systems for second doses.
More than a million doses of vaccine (1,239,468) have been given in Norfolk and Waveney. In the week to 13 June, 42,723 doses were given of which 13,082 were first doses and 29,641 were second doses Norfolk and Waveney has got off to a flying start with vaccinations for younger people with 26% of 16-24 year olds, 46% of 25-29 year olds and 74% of 30-34 year olds having received their first dose.
Anyone aged 18 plus can now get a vaccination at one of many locations across the area, many of which offer weekend and evening appointments or drop in opportunities for those who have work or childcare commitments during the day.