Vaccine programme expanded

The Covid-19 vaccination programme has been expanded. Young people aged 16 and 17 will be offered a second jab and the over 40s will be offered a booster jab. This follows advice from independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Ruth Twiggins, North Lincolnshire’s Consultant in Public Health, who welcomed the news, said:

“The vaccination programme is saving lives, helping stop the spread of the virus and reducing the pressure on the NHS and care services.

“The vaccination starts to wain after six months and the latest data shows a booster jab increases protection from symptomatic infection to over 90%. People can now get this level of protection five months after receiving their second dose if they are aged over 40.

“Second doses will be available to people aged 16 and 17. This is important in North Lincolnshire as this age group has some of the highest infection rates in our area.

“I would urge everyone to get the vaccine – it is not to late even if people haven’t had their first dose yet. You can book using the NHS website or see a list of no appointment needed pop-up centres on the North Lincolnshire Council website.”