Over 50? Don’t delay – book your Covid jab today!

All residents aged 50 or above are urged to book their Covid-19 vaccination as soon as they are invited.

Nearly 80,000 people registered with a Bury GP have now received their first dose, and the Government has set a target to offer vaccination to all those in the top 9 tiers by 15 April. These are: allpeople aged 50 and above; those who are clinically extremely vulnerable; aged 16-64 in an ‘at risk’ group; are an adult carer or a health and social care worker.

Everyone over 50 (i.e. in Tiers 8 and 9) has been receiving invitations from their doctor over the last two weeks. If you have not yet received your invitation, please call your GP practice.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “The vaccination programme is continuing well in Bury, with around 94% of those in the highest age groups vaccinated. First doses have also been given to around 65% of those aged 50 to 59.

“But, with 15 April getting nearer, we absolutely do not want anyone to miss out, or have to wait longer to be armed against this potentially fatal illness. Get the jab and protect yourself, your family and your loved ones.”

Dr Kiran Patel, local GP and medical director at Bury GP Federation, said: “Our GP practices are doing a fantastic job sending out so many invitations in such a short time. However, some people are difficult to contact, particularly if they are out working, and not every patient has made sure to register their mobile phone number with their doctor.

“We will be moving on at pace to give second doses to the most elderly people who had their first jab back in January, so my advice to the over-50s is to book in now for their vaccination.

“Anyone who has had the first dose of the vaccine can be reassured that a second jab has been reserved for them and will be given 11 weeks after the first jab, so please wait to be contacted with details of your second appointment.

“Can I also reassure residents that the AZ vaccine has been declared safe and all European countries are now using it again.”

Over-50s can book a vaccination at one of Bury’s four vaccination centres – the Elizabethan Suite, Ramsbottom Civic Hall, Bealey’s in Radcliffe and Prestwich Walk-in Centre - via this link: http://covid.nhsbookings.com/gmpcn

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 March 2021.