MOST Solihull residents over the age of 70 have had their first dose of a covid-19 vaccination.
A new report on the coronavirus vaccine rollout across the borough has given the first insight into the uptake so far.
It revealed 94 of residents aged over 70 had taken up the offer to get their first dose.
It also stated over 80 per cent of clinically vulnerable Solihull residents have also taken up the offer of a vaccination so far.
Overall the average across the borough for the first five priority groups is 90 per cent.
In line with the national picture, uptake of vaccine is lower in some areas and targeted work is taking place to make sure that everyone is able to get easy access to vaccination, working with community leaders.
Solihull resident Christine Johnson, who lives in Chelmsley Wood, said: “I had my vaccine at Bosworth Drive around two weeks ago.
“I shared my experience with Healthwatch Solihull because I wanted to encourage others to get theirs.
“I was in and out in no time, and every time one of us is vaccinated, we are that little bit closer to safety.
“I also wanted to let others know that I had no side effects, and I have felt absolutely fine since my jab. I’m actually excited to get my second dose.”
It comes as the government is stepping up its vaccination roll-out which has been advanced through England’s third national lockdown.
The lockdown was brought in to bring cases down, ease the strain on the NHS but also to provide an ‘invisible shield’ to the vulnerable people in England through a vaccine.
Tom O’Sullivan, executive lead for SolliVac, said: “The uptake of the Covid 19 vaccine has been phenomenal across Solihull, and has built on a record breaking flu vaccination campaign earlier in the winter. Choosing to accept a vaccine not only protects you, it protects those around you too.
“We are pleased with the momentum we have built while rolling out first doses, and we have now secured allocations for second doses to start from next week too. Over the coming days we will be inviting eligible patients to book in, you don’t need to call us, we will call you.
“That said, we do want to encourage anyone that has been called, but chosen not to take the vaccine, to get in touch if they’ve changed their mind, it’s not too late.”
