New milestone reached in Shropshire's Covid jab rollout

Latest NHS figures show that 708,773 first and second doses had been given to patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin by the end of Sunday.

Around four in five 18 to 24-year-olds have had their first dose of the vaccine, and just under half of those in the same age group have had both.

Just over three-quarters of 25 to 29-year-olds have had the first jab and more than half have had their second dose.

However, heath bosses are still encouraging anyone eligible who is yet to receive the vaccine to come forward.

Councillor Andy Burford, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for health and social care, said: "A vaccination helps you to avoid being seriously ill, so protect yourself if you have not done so already.

"There continues to be several walk-in vaccination clinics across the borough – no appointment needed.

“If you prefer, you can still book your own vaccination slot on the NHS website.

"You can speak about any vaccination concerns at a walk-in clinic or with your GP."

Steve Ellis, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin vaccination programme lead, said the roll-out was still making "great strides" in the county thanks to staff, volunteers and the hundreds of thousands of people who have already had their vaccines.

The data shows 6,914 under 18s in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have had their first Covid jab, while 1,189 have had their second dose.

Meanwhile, figures show 50 per cent – more than 620,000 – of all teens aged 16 and 17 have had their first Covid vaccine in England, just four weeks after the green light was given for this age group.

The country's top GP is now urging teenagers to “grab their jab” as the new school term starts and they return to school or college.

Young people can find their nearest vaccination site through the NHS online walk-in finder.

More than 1.3 million visits have been made to the online Grab-A-Jab finder since teenagers became eligible.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for NHS England’s vaccination programme, said: "Uptake among young people continues to be strong and thanks to the non-stop efforts of NHS staff and volunteers, half of all 16 and 17-year-olds have had their vaccine since becoming eligible last month, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.

"As school and college terms are due to start back shortly, it is really important that young people continue to come forward for their life-saving vaccine and visit the NHS Grab-a-jab finder to find a convenient site, with walk-in vaccinations taking place at nightclubs, university campuses and places of worship this weekend.

“It has never been easier to drop in and get your vaccine: it is safe, effective and will provide vital protection for you and your family and friends."

For more information on walk-in and pop-up vaccination clinics, which are available to anyone aged 16 and over, visit stwics.org.uk/our-priorities/covid-19-vaccination-programme/walk-in-clinic-times

Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to Covid or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine.