Fresh bid to get more young people jabbed

GROUP BELIEVED TO BE SECTION MOST AFFECTED BY RISE IN CASES

A MAJOR drive is under way to get young people vaccinated against coronavirus.

The country has been in the grip of a third wave of the pandemic since the start of June, which has led to an increase in the number of daily infections.

Young people are thought to be the main section of the population affected by the latest rises in cases, especially because the number of patients in Leicestershire’s hospitals has not risen to the level seen at the peak of the crisis.

With restrictions now largely lifted, a fresh effort is being made to encourage young people to get their vaccinations in as soon as possible.

The “Get vaxxed – enjoy being back” initiative is aimed at 18 to 29-year-olds in the hope they will respond to “positive messages” related to getting society back to normal and protecting family and friends.

Simran Sangherra, who helped in the campaign’s development, said: “It’s really important that young people see the benefits of getting vaccinated and know that they can access it safely and easily.

“Being a part of this campaign enables young people like myself to see and be part of a positive future and think about the positive impact it has on others around us.”

More than 500 young people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland took part in a survey in June which was followed by a series of online focus groups.

Caroline Trevithick, executive director of nursing, quality and performance at the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “We wanted to invest in this campaign to help younger people feel better equipped to safely enjoy getting back to all the things that have been off limits due to the pandemic.

“As all restrictions are eased on activities such as travelling abroad, visiting nightclubs, attending live music and sporting events, there are understandably many who feel nervous and cautious about the unknown impact Covid-19 could have.

“The virus is still a very real concern but we want our local young people to know that by having both Covid-19 vaccinations they can enjoy getting back to their activities with the confidence and knowledge that they are protecting themselves from catching or passing on the virus. It is, however , imperative that both doses are taken to provide maximum protection.”

The new initiative has been developed by the CCGs, in partnership with public health teams, Leicestershire County Council, young people and with design agency Arch Creative.

Public health registrar in Leicestershire, Dr Shaun McGill, said: “I’m proud to have been involved in such an important campaign.

“As a younger person working in public health, it was a good opportunity for me to share how important the Covid vaccinations are. Younger people my age mix more with others, so it gives the virus an opportunity to spread.

“If we get vaccinated, we can protect vulnerable groups and begin to enjoy getting back to normal with the confidence that the vaccine will help to protect me and other people that we’re around.”

Anyone aged 18 and over who has not yet been vaccinated against Covid-19, or who has not had their second dose, can find out how to get their jab at:

It is imperative that both doses are taken to provide maximum protection

Caroline Trevithick