Let’s keep going in the fight against COVID

New figures have revealed that a total of 2,403,022 COVID vaccinations have been administered across Suffolk and north east Essex.

The spring booster, which has been offered to people including the over 75s and those with a weakened immune system, has been taken up by 82% of those eligible, including 100% of residents in the area’s 211 care homes.

In response to this big success, local health leaders have praised everyone who has taken up the offer of vaccination, as well thanking the staff and legion of volunteers who have made the vaccination programme so beneficial and wide-reaching.

But with ever-increasing rates of COVID infection across the country, all eligible people are being asked to continue protecting their health by taking up the offer of an autumn COVID booster and flu vaccination when they are made available in September.

People will be made aware when the autumn vaccination programme is about to commence and are being asked not to contact their GP practice yet.

Liz Moloney, who is leading the NHS vaccination programme locally, said: “We are particularly pleased that so many people have taken up the offer of a spring booster, especially considering that some obviously feel fatigued by two years of COVID, which is totally understandable.

“People have risen to the call to be vaccinated and realise that it’s the very best way of protecting themselves against the very unpleasant and long-term symptoms of COVID, which has left some of them unable to work, look after their families or go about their daily lives.

“Despite the fact we’re currently in the midst of a very warm spell, our efforts are now very much centred on planning for the autumn and the implementation of the COVID booster programme, with everyone aged over 50 being eligible, as well as those in younger age groups with specific medical issues and certain other groups.

“The flu vaccination will also be made available to many people as flu is likely to be prevalent this coming winter with fewer people being able to build up natural immunity to it during the COVID pandemic.

“My message to everyone is to stay positive. We’ve done incredibly well so far in protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities – let’s stay on course and keep up with the good work.”