News from our partners: Be summer ready – get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay protected

News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service 

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the NHS is urging those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination to come forward as soon as possible and get protected.

We are all looking forward to warmer weather, or potentially a trip aboard, a festival or perhaps a wedding – things we may have missed out for the last two years. However, it’s important to remember that if you’re not fully vaccinated, COVID-19 could halt your plans.

Being fully vaccinated, including having your booster, means you’re much less likely to be seriously ill from COVID-19. Don’t let the virus be the reason you are unable to enjoy that party or trip you’ve been looking forward to.

If you are travelling abroad, make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you travel. It’s important to remember many countries require anyone over the age of 16 to be fully vaccinated before they are allowed to visit and, in some cases, this rule is extended to anyone over the age of 12.

Travellers are therefore urged to check the latest foreign travel advice, available at GOV.UK, for the country or countries they wish to go to.

Clinics are continuing to operate throughout Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin over the coming weeks, offering residents the chance to get their first or second dose, or their booster if it is due. Don’t risk missing a long-awaited holiday; have your vaccinations as soon as possible.

Steve Ellis, Programme and Service Director for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin’s NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service, said:-

“As we start to make our plans for the summer, I’m sure getting a vaccination isn’t automatically top priority – but it really ought to be.

“Now that cases are rising again, it’s vital everyone eligible in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin gets their jab as soon as possible to ensure maximum protection.

“If you are planning on heading overseas, don’t forget to check if there are any entry requirements in place. Being up to date with your vaccinations will not only reduce the chances of you getting serious ill from COVID-19 but will also help stop the spread of the virus.

“I’d urge those who haven’t yet had the vaccine or who haven’t had their second or booster doses (including the Spring Booster), to get them as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss out this summer.

“Ensuring children and young people, from five- to 15-year-olds, get both doses is also an important priority for the NHS to reduce the risk of passing on the infection.”

Everyone aged five and over can get a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 now also available at a range of walk-in clinics across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin after school on weekdays and at weekends.

People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster. People aged 12 and over who had a severely weakened immune system at the time they had their first two doses are offered a third dose and a booster.

You can book your vaccine via the National Booking Service online, call 119 or alternatively, find a drop-in COVID-19 vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment.