Big push launched to vaccinate more people before Xmas
VACCINATION clinics in Derbyshire have begun a push to get people in the county vaccinated against Covid-19 in time for Christmas, according to the local NHS.
Clinics across the city and county are providing thousands of extra appointments, starting this weekend, with many slots being booked up quickly by people who want to be better protected from the virus during Christmas festivities.
Yesterday (November 25), 47,240 positive cases of Covid-19 were reported in the UK and an additional 147 deaths, according to government data.
In Derbyshire, appointments are available for anyone who is eligible, and many sites are seeing a recent increase in the number of people coming in for their first vaccination.
According to the most recent government statistics, 88.4% of people in the UK have now received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination.
To book a vaccination, visit the National Booking Service website or call 119. Some clinics do offer walkin appointments, and a list of walkin options can be found on the NHS England website.
Dr Steve Lloyd, executive medical director of NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said it was the start of an important period for the vaccination programme, with temperatures dropping and people gathering for family events over Christmas. He said: “We know that winter brings increased risk of people transmitting and becoming ill from viruses like Covid-19 and flu, so just that risk alone makes it important for everyone to get their vaccination as soon as possible. “At Christmas, a lot o f people will be travelling and meeting in large groups indoors, which is a perfect environment for spreading these viruses. Getting a vaccination helps protect you and those around you.
“I really want to encourage people to book an appointment if possible, or walk in where that’s more appropriate, and get this protection.
“If people have questions or are uncertain, then there are clinical experts at the vaccination sites who can provide answers and assurance.”