Coronavirus: News from our partners – All ages urged to take up ‘Evergreen’ vaccine offer
News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service
People of all ages in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being urged to get their COVID-19 jabs, as infections in the region are rising above the national average.
Cases of COVID-19 in the over 60s have increased in both the East Midlands and West Midlands in the last week, with over 60s case rates per 100,000 above the average for the whole of England.
Statistics from the ONS this month have also shown that the risk of death involving COVID-19 is 32 times greater in unvaccinated people than in those who had received both doses.
Cases are rising rapidly across Shropshire and we currently have the highest rates in the West Midlands. In the week of 5-11 November 2021, there were 1,538 positive cases reported – an increase of 24% on the previous week. In Telford & Wrekin, the number of new coronavirus cases has continued to increase in the last week (8-14 November 2021) and latest figures show the 7-day infection rate remains above the national and regional averages. There were 951 new coronavirus cases reported for Telford & Wrekin during this week, 136 more than the previous seven-day period.
However, the number of patients in Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals soared to 64 on 4 November, but this has now dropped to 35 (on 14 November); and sadly, there were 10 deaths.
Steve Ellis, Service Director and Deputy Senior Responsible Officer for the Covid-19 Vaccination Service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:-
“These latest statistics are a timely reminder that it is never too late to get your lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination – the offer from the NHS is evergreen.
“Your vaccine has a name on it, it is for you, and it is an evergreen offer. Vaccination provides powerful protection against severe illness with COVID-19, so getting the jab is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Boosters are also vital to maintain a high level of protection because the vaccine starts to ‘wear off’ as time goes by.
“With the twin threat of COVID-19 and flu we are facing a winter like no other, and so it is even more important for people to get their jabs – first vaccine, second dose, booster or influenza.
“After another really challenging year, we know people are looking forward to spending time with their families and loved ones at Christmas, and having your vaccine will not only protect you but those around you.”
There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies, GP practices and other convenient community sites. Almost every person registered with an English GP practice lives within 10 miles of a fixed vaccination location.
Everyone aged 12 and over can book an appointment for their first dose through the National Booking Service or can call 119 if they need extra support with their booking.
Up-to-date details and times for all Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Walk-in and Pop-up Clinics (stwics.org.uk)
Those getting their first doses of vaccine will be eligible for their second doses eight weeks later.
The NHS made it possible for those eligible for booster doses to book their appointments after five months (with vaccination at six months).
