Our new Covid vaccinometer – now with added boosters!

Friday, 3 December 2021 19:25

By David Murphy

More than 59,000 people in Bury have already had their Covid booster jabs – and the NHS is finalising plans to offer the vaccine to many more.

The latest figures also show that 143,057 local residents have now had their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and 129,984 have had their second – making a grand total of 332,357 jabs.

This week it was announced that all adults will be eligible for a Covid-19 booster vaccination in the coming weeks, with the gap between second doses and boosters reduced from six to three months. The NHS will shortly set out how the booster programme will be expanded.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “Bury’s excellent take-up of vaccinations has been a key part of our fight against Covid-19, flu and other winter bugs.

“However, with new Covid-19 variants spreading, and flu usually becoming more widespread from December onwards, we do need to stay alert – the case rate in Bury is still close to 400 per 100,000 population.

“Getting vaccinated offers significant protection against becoming seriously ill from coronavirus, and getting a booster jab increases your protection considerably. That’s why I’m urging everyone to go for their jabs as soon as they are invited or are eligible – there are many clinics, both here in Bury and in neighbouring areas, where they can get them.”

She added: “I also urge everyone to follow the new rules on wearing face masks and self-isolating if we want to have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. And remember: wash your hands, keep your distance, and let in fresh air. Let’s do it - for yourselves and your loved ones.”

Heading out this Christmas? Take a rapid Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before you go for peace of mind. This will help pick up cases where the person shows no symptoms – that’s one in three people who have Covid – but could pass it on. LFT tests are widely available and free.
The Government has published new rules about wearing masks and when you should self-isolate in cases of the Omicron variant – see Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For local up-to-date information about Covid-19, details of local clinics and how to book an appointment, visit bury.gov.uk/coronavirus