Over-65s urged to come forward for first Covid jab

ANYONE aged 65 to 69 who has not been vaccinated is being urged to respond to their recent invitation to get their coronavirus jab at one of the more than 20 sites across Derbyshire.

Due to the continued success of the rollout, people aged 64 are also set to be called forward this week, NHS England has announced.

More than two thirds of people aged 65-69 have now had their first dose, after invitations went out a week ago. Everyone in this age group is now eligible to receive the jab, with more than one million invitation letters having arrived in homes across England this week, and online bookings open.

Anyone aged 65 or over can get an appointment by booking through the national booking service. NHS Derby and Derbyshire CCG executive medical director Dr Steve Lloyd said: “NHS staff, volunteers and other partners across Derbyshire have done an incredible job so far delivering the largest vaccination drive in our history, at the same time as dealing with high levels of Covid-19 hospital patients.

“To the small proportion of people who have been invited but not come forward yet, I would urge you to do so this week. Vaccines are the best weapon we have in the fight against coronavirus, and local services are going to great lengths to ensure that local people can get this protection in a safe and convenient place.”

People in the 65 and over age bracket can get their appointment at a community pharmacy, if they prefer.