Celebrations as One Million ‘Double Jabbed’ in Our Area
Thanks to the efforts of GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, teams of vaccinators and an army of staff and volunteers, a huge COVID vaccination milestone has been reached in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
Dr Rachel Joyce, a leading Hertfordshire and west Essex clinician said: ‘I am thrilled that in Hertfordshire and west Essex one million people have been ‘double-jabbed’. Everyone who has chosen to have their vaccinations has taken a vital step towards protecting themselves, their family and friends and our area’s health and care services this winter.
‘My thanks go to the incredible colleagues and volunteers who have worked since December 2020 to help deliver all of these doses – saving lives and preventing serious illness in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
‘If you haven’t yet had your first or second dose of the vaccine, it’s not too late. You can ring 119, search ‘book a COVID jab’ online, or ask at your GP practice. If you are not registered with a GP, it doesn’t matter – call in to a ‘walk-in’ clinic where no appointment is needed. There are lots of different times and locations to choose from – go to covid.healthierfuture.org.uk to find your nearest options.
‘If you take steps today to get vaccinated, you are playing a vital part in supporting your health and the health of everyone you come into contact with.’
For those who might be worried about getting vaccinated, clinic staff and volunteers give everyone a warm welcome and are on hand to answer concerns and questions.
Despite the success of our area’s vaccination story so far, with COVID still circulating in our communities, we can’t afford to be complacent. Over time, the protective effects of COVID vaccinations reduce, leaving people vulnerable to the virus again.
Many of those most at risk from COVID-19 in our area are now entitled to get a ‘booster’ vaccination, to top-up their immunity levels once more. If at least six months (182 days) have passed since your second vaccination, you’re almost certainly eligible for your booster. The latest available figures show that 189,673 people from west Essex or Hertfordshire have had their COVID ‘booster’ jab, either by booking an appointment or using a walk-in clinic.
Hertfordshire resident Elizabeth Perry has played her part to ensure she and her loved ones are better protected against coronavirus. Elizabeth got her booster vaccination in Hemel Hempstead last week (pictured) and said why she was so keen to ensure they were protected this winter: ‘It makes me feel much safer knowing I’ve got the vaccine. It’s the right thing to do and keeps people safe.’
- Look up walk-in sessions, including dates and times, at this webpage covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/events/vaccination-walk-in-clinic-times and just turn up. People are vaccinated on a first come, first served basis
- Book a guaranteed appointment using the National Booking Service or ring 119. There are plenty of appointments available.
As we learn more about COVID-19, it has become clear that it poses risks to people of all ages. Pregnant women in particular are urged to get their COVID-19 vaccination, to help protect their health and their new-born babies. Around 20% of the most critically ill COVID patients are unvaccinated pregnant women, and babies born to women with COVID are significantly more likely to be premature and need admission to neonatal units.
If you are, or know someone who is planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, you can find out more about vaccinations here: covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility
School children aged 12-15 years old can now have a booked COVID vaccination appointment in one of five large clinics in our area after school or at the weekend, as well as through a visit to their school by a school immunisation team. Call 119 or search ‘book a COVID jab’ online to find out more.