Residents across north east London urged to get vaccine as infections rise

Almost 100 sites in north east London started rolling out booster jabs last month

Unvaccinated residents across north east London are being urged to get their covid jabs as infection rates rise.

There are still believed to be more than 600,000 people aged over 16 in the area yet to be fully vaccinated.

The area covers Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

Around 85 per cent of covid patients in intensive care across the eight boroughs had not received two doses of the vaccine between Wednesday, 1 September and Monday, 25 October. 

This total includes those in younger age groups who only became eligible for vaccination in recent months.

Almost 100 sites in the area started rolling out a third booster jab last month.

Although Covid-19 vaccines give high levels of protection, immunity reduces over time so residents have been advised to get a booster to help top up defences.

Chair of NHS North East London Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Jagan John, said: “Winter is always a challenging time for the NHS and we want to help our residents stay well by protecting themselves against Covid-19 as cases continue to rise.

“It is really important that people get their booster as soon as they become eligible. This can help prevent you from becoming seriously ill and requiring hospital treatment.

“Covid-19 has not gone away and the figures we are seeing from our local trusts, with large numbers of unvaccinated patients in intensive care, are a stark reminder of how important it is that everyone, and particularly our more vulnerable residents, comes forward for the vaccine.

“For those people who have still not yet had their first Covid-19 vaccine, now really is the time. Remaining unprotected against Covid-19 puts you and those around you at much greater risk.”

Residents can get their first and second covid jabs at a range of sites across NEL, including pharmacies and community venues.

Anyone aged 16-plus can find their nearest high street, walk-in vaccination centre for their first or second jab through the ‘Grab a Jab’ NHS online walk-in finder.

Anyone aged 50 or over who had their second Covid-19 jab six months and one week ago (before mid-April) should go onto the NHS website or call 119 and book their booster – even if they have not received an invite.

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