Rochdale calls on government for extra Covid vaccines as cases surge

The government has been accused of peddling an ’empty slogan’ after knocking back Rochdale council’s plea for extra vaccines.

The authority is urging ministers to reverse the decision not to increase supplies to the borough as the so-called Delta variant continues to drive up infection rates.

Councillor Daalat Ali, cabinet member for public health, made the plea after a request for the early release of doses for further surge vaccinations was turned down.

The government previously pledged extra support after placing the whole of Greater Manchester into an ‘Enhanced Response Area’.

A strengthened package was expected to offer an increase in vaccine supplies and support around surge testing, tracing and self-isolation.

This was to help tackle the Delta variant, which has been a major concern in Bolton and continues to drive a sharp rise in infections in many areas of Rochdale.

'Failed to match its words with action'

Coun Ali said a strong case had been made for the early delivery of vaccine supplies so residents who have yet to have the jab could be immunised more quickly.

He said: “The government’s promise of a strengthened package of support for our area to tackle the Delta variant is already looking like an empty slogan.

“We quite sensibly requested extra vaccine supplies to help us carry out another surge vaccination programme, but unfortunately this was knocked back.

“Only a few weeks back, we trialled a surge vaccination approach, which was successful in getting thousands vaccinated and tested.”

He continued: “A repeat would see many more residents receiving vital protection against the virus, but we can’t do it without the vaccine supplies. It’s no good extending the timetable for easing restrictions without speeding up the vaccination programme for our community.

“Therefore, it is extremely disappointing that on vaccine supplies the government has, on this occasion, failed to match its words with action.”

In May the council successfully delivered a surge vaccine programme, which saw more than 5,000 residents receiving their first dose at local pop up clinics and a new drive-through vaccination site.

Coun Ali said the council would continue to make the case for additional vaccine supplies to be urgently provided.

He added that vaccine clinics, including further walk-ins would still be operating at the hospital and other locations in the borough over the coming days and weeks.

Further details can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/covidvaccine

The DHSSC has been contacted for comment.