Efforts to increase vaccination in Suffolk as covid-19 rise
Ipswich has the third highest number of cases in England – 861 per 100,000
Last updated 23rd Oct 2021
Vaccination efforts have ramped up across Suffolk amid concern over rising Covid-19 cases.
Groups with a low take-up of vaccines, including young people and ethnic minorities, are being targeted.
Ipswich has the third highest number of cases in England – 861 per 100,000. West Suffolk, Mid Suffolk and Babergh are all exceeding 500 cases per 100,000.
Cases among 10-14 year-olds increased by 15% in the last week, and a 32% soar among 15-19 year-olds was seen.
Public Health Suffolk director Stuart Keeble said:
‘We have seen the number of Suffolk pupils with Covid-19 increase so are working with schools to implement these additional measures immediately to help break the chain of transmission.
We are taking these numbers seriously and school leaders are being extremely vigilant to ensure children and staff are safe.’
A community engagement team in Public Health Suffolk are having one-to-one conversations with people in parks, shop parades, schools, to provide advice. They are also bringing packs of hand sanitiser, lateral flow tests, face masks, and information about testing, vaccination, and isolations.
In particular, young people and seasonal and migrant workers are being targeted in the campaign.
The team is set to expand its engagement in 15 languages in the next few weeks.
Simon Harley, public health spokesman from Suffolk County Council’s opposition Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent group, said:
‘It is very concerning that infection rates are accelerating, and that warnings are having to be given to schools just before half term.
‘On previous experience, we can expect more stringent measures soon as the virus races through the population.
‘I would advise anyone who is eligible for themselves, or their children, to have a vaccination to take this up as soon as possible – as it is mostly the unvaccinated who are having be admitted to hospital and needing intensive treatment.’