SOLIHULL’S director of public health is urging 16 and 17-year-olds to get their coronavirus jabs.
It comes after Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced all young people aged 16 to 17 in England were being offered a first dose of vaccine in time for the start of the school year in September.
Ruth Tennant said: “With most new cases currently still showing in the under-24s, it’s a welcome move.
“So do please take up the opportunity as soon as you can and encourage your friends to do the same.
“Vaccinations will be available from one of more than 800 GP-led local vaccination sites and NHS England has launched a new online walk-in site finder for the nearest available centre.”
She added that further sites would be going online over the coming days and weeks and that local vaccination information was available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.
Covid rates in Solihull have dipped by just eight according to the latest figures, down to 357 for the week ending August 22.
The latest government data shows vaccines have already saved around 84,600 lives and prevented 23.4million infections and 66,900 hospitalisations in England.
“We will continue to keep doing all we can to get everyone in Solihull double-jabbed,” said Ms Tennant.
“This is particularly important for pregnant women, who are the focus of public health information campaigns across the country.
“We know the virus can be especially dangerous if you’re pregnant, with a higher risk of complications and hospitalisation.
“I would encourage anyone who is pregnant to get vaccinated urgently and do talk to your midwife or doctor if you still have any questions.”
She added: “If you’re out and about this weekend, at a festival or event, please protect yourself and other people going by testing before you go.
“We have seen increases in cases in parts of the country linked to festivals: testing – and double vaccination – helps keep our events and everyone who goes to them – safe.”
