Coronavirus: Shropshire youngsters call on others to ‘get the jab done’

Young people from across Shropshire have joined forces to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine, play their part in stopping the impact of COVID-19 and help us to return to ‘normal’ life.

Their rallying call, which is part of a major drive by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, comes ahead of a weekend of walk-in clinics offering the jab to anyone 18 or over.

With no appointments needed, anyone 18 or over can just drop in and get a jab, in a bid to boost the number of people who are protected against the virus.

Among those backing the initiative is 20-year-old Micayla Beaumont, from Telford, who battled COVID-19 in January.

Micayla Beaumont from Telford

She and her two siblings caught the virus before passing it on to their mother who suffers with asthma. Now, following her first vaccine, Micayla is keen to encourage other young people to take up their chance to get their first dose to help life return to normal.

She said:

For me, the symptoms were pretty bad – it is nothing like a normal cold, which is a common misconception among some young people who think they won’t be affected too much. I had zero energy and constantly felt tired, which was made worse by the fact that I couldn’t leave my bedroom to get fresh air.

I lost my sense of taste, which was really weird as I was eating purely for fuel rather than any enjoyment. I’ve also had a blocked nose since January, which I’m assuming is a lasting symptom.

After having COVID-19 myself – and seeing my family suffer too – there was never any question in my mind about getting the vaccine. In my opinion, it’s more about protecting those around me – I want to be able to see my grandparents safely and be able to meet up with friends. Like everyone else, I want normality back and the jab is the way to do this.

As part of the drive to encourage young people to take up the vaccine, those with concerns are being urged to ask the questions they need answers to and to do research to allay concerns about side effects.

Julija Sumska, 20, is about to have her first vaccine and is keen to bust myths surrounding the jab.

Julija Sumska from Shrewsbury

Julija, who is originally from Latvia and now lives in Shrewsbury, said:

I’ve not been able to travel back home to see the rest of my family since the start of the pandemic and that’s been really difficult. It feels like for so long now it’s been ‘one day we’ll be able to travel’, ‘one day we’ll be able to see family’, and it seemed like so far away. But, my grandma has been double vaccinated and is actually travelling over to stay with us next week for a month, so it finally feels like we’re nearly there.

Coming from a Russian household, there was a lot of negativity originally around the vaccine, so I think it’s brilliant to be able to part of this campaign, which is highlighting how important it is to address any misconceptions that might be stopping people taking the vaccine.

We’re starting to see the difference it is making now and we need to keep going so we can all get back to normal.

This weekend’s walk-in clinics come as latest figures show that more than 45% of 18 to 24-year-olds and more than 60% of 25 to 29-year-olds across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have already had their first vaccine.

Now, it is hoped the latest campaign will help increase numbers even further.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Directors of Public Health, Rachel Robinson and Liz Noakes, said:

We’ve already seen a strong uptake of the vaccine among local young people to protect themselves, their family and wider community, but we’re determined to increase this further. We know that the jab is our best protection against COVID-19 and the route out of restrictions.

We’re all desperate to get back to some sense of normality and the vaccine is our way to do this. A single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine reduces your chances of catching coronavirus and needing hospital treatment by about 75 per cent, even with the Delta variant circulating in the UK.

And among people who had received the recommended two doses, the chances of catching and being hospitalised by COVID-19 was reduced by more than 90 per cent.

Young people understand how important it is to play their part in the fight against coronavirus and to make it even easier and more convenient for them and others to get their jab, walk-in clinics are running across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, open to anyone who is 18 or over and has not yet had their first dose – no appointment is necessary, just pop in and get the jab done!

For further information about walk-in clinics, opening times and eligibility, visit Covid-19 vaccination walk-in clinic times. This list will be updated regularly as more clinics are made available. Alternatively, to book a Covid-19 vaccination online use the NHS National Booking Service or call 119.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, but some service options on the line may operate for shorter periods) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Further information

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result please do not leave your home and self-isolate immediately. For more guidance click here
• People without symptoms of COVID-19 should test twice a week – find out more here
• The NHS will contact you when your vaccination is ready or to find out if you are already eligible click here
• Indoor gatherings are limited to 6 people or 2 households
• Face coverings should be worn in indoor settings unless you are exempt
• Remain cautious when meeting with people outside your bubble
• Follow the hands-face-space-fresh air guidance
• Continue to work from home if you can
• You should continue to follow the guidance even if you have been vaccinated.