‘Getting jab does not mean rules can be broken’
HEALTH BOSS IN WARNING AS ELDERLY ADMIT TO BREACHING LOCKDOWN
GETTING a Covid vaccine is “not an excuse” to start breaking lockdown rules, a public health boss has warned.
People who have received a vaccination have been urged not to ignore lockdown restrictions just because they think they are now safe from the virus.
Newcastle’s public health director says it is “essential” that those who have been given either one or two doses keep doing their bit to protect others who are yet to get the protection.
Prof Eugene Milne also warned that the vaccines do not offer a 100% guarantee that you will not get ill from coronavirus and spoke of the risk of more new variants developing that may have greater vaccine resistance.
More than a million doses of the vaccines have now been given in the North East and North Cumbria.
But a recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) study showed that more than 40% of over-80s who had already received their jab had then met up indoors with someone outside their household, support or care bubble.
Prof Milne said: “Partners in Newcastle have made immense progress delivering Covid-19 vaccinations to the most vulnerable members of society, quickly working their way through the priority groups prescribed by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations.
“However, it remains essential that everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, continues to follow the rules in full and maintains the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance at all times. It will still take several months for all adults to be offered a jab, so a significant proportion of citizens are not yet vaccinated, including some in priority groups who have not yet come forward. Most of those who have done so have still only received their first dose.
“And although the vaccines are excellent, they are not perfect. Some people, particularly if they are vulnerable through age or infirmity, will still suffer Covid despite vaccination.
“We need also to be cautious of the possible impact of known and potential future variants of the virus which may pose different risks, including reduced effect of vaccines.
“Even for usually healthy individuals the virus still poses a threat. We know through harsh experience that this virus can affect anyone.
“So it is essential we continue doing our bit to protect ourselves and others.
“I strongly urge everyone to accept the offer of both doses of a vaccine when their turn comes, but having received it, please continue to follow the regulations and guidance in full until the risk for everyone is lower.
“Restrictions are in place to protect everybody. Receiving your jab is not an excuse to ignore them.”
According to ONS data released last week, 43% of over-80s who had received the first dose of a vaccine reported they had met someone other than a household member, care worker or member of their support bubble, indoors – contradicting lockdown regulations.
The proportion who had mixed indoors with people outside their household jumped to 48% among those who had been given both doses.