Coronavirus: News from our partners – Get vaccinated for protection this Christmas at the Grab a Jab Weekend

News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service

People living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being encouraged to protect themselves and their loved ones ahead of the festive season by getting vaccinated at one of the county’s walk-in clinics as part of the Grab a Jab Weekend, taking place this weekend.

With Christmas celebrations fast approaching, a number of drop-in vaccination clinics are taking place this weekend, in a bid to get as many people vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 as possible.

It is hoped that the Grab a Jab Weekend will appeal to those who are out and about doing their Christmas shopping and taking advantage of the Black Friday deals – as there are clinics taking place at The Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury and Southwater One in Telford on Saturday 27 November 2021. The full list of clinics taking place this weekend are listed below.

As of this week, those over 40 and people over 16 with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 are eligible for a booster jab, 182 days (six months) after their second vaccination. They can pre-book an appointment from five months (152 days) on the NHS website or by calling 119, or walk-in at six months to one of our local clinics.

While young people aged 16 and 17 years old can now book their second dose, as long as it’s been at least 12 weeks since their first dose, (this is different compared to those aged 18 and over who only need wait eight weeks between their first and second dose).

Steve Ellis, Service Director and  Deputy Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 Vaccination Service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:-

“As you can imagine, the NHS is incredibly busy and we need you to stand by us this winter – and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the ways you can.

“The Grab a Jab Weekend is your chance to help top up your immunity and protect yourself, your family and friends before meeting up with them for Christmas.

“Getting the booster vaccine is vital for all people who had their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination six months ago, as protection from the vaccine does decline over time, and the booster vaccination will give people extra protection. If you still haven’t had your first or second dose of the COVID-19 jab it’s not too late; you can get your COVID-19 vaccinations by attending one of our walk-in clinics.”

Between 5-11 November, Shropshire recorded the highest COVID-19 cases rate in the West Midlands – with 1,538 new COVID-19 cases reported, an increase of 24% on the previous week. The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 472.6 per 100,000 – it was 344.4 per 100,000 for the West Midlands, and 361.3 for England.

While in Telford and Wrekin, 1,077 COVID-19 cases were reported during 15-21 November, 117 more than the previous seven-day period.

Last week, Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust (SaTH) reported having 32 COVID-19 admissions in the seven days to 22 November, and 37 beds occupied by COVID-19-positive patients – of those, five were in critical condition and in the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU). In the week from 14-22 November, there were nine deaths (within 28-days of a positive COVID-19 test).

New data from the Department of Health and Social Care shows that a booster dose gives significantly increased protection against symptomatic disease in adults over 50 – 93.1% for those who had two initial doses of AstraZeneca and 94% for those who had two initial doses of Pfizer.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-

“As we’re all aware, COVID-19 cases in the community are extremely high. Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, we have recorded the highest COVID-19 rate in the West Midlands during early November, so it’s more crucial than ever that we urge everyone to get vaccinated – whether that’s having their first or second dose of the vaccine, or if they’re eligible, their booster.

“We need to continue to protect ourselves, the most vulnerable in Shropshire and our health and care services, who have been working incredibly hard to cope with the pandemic. Vaccination is one crucial way the public can do their bit to support health and care services.”

Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin’s Director for Public Health, added:-

“I would strongly urge everyone who is eligible for their booster to protect themselves, their loved ones and other vulnerable people this winter.

“It’s also not too late to have your COVID-19 jab, first and second dose, just in time for the Christmas countdown.

“It’s easy to get vaccinated, there are a range of vaccination clinics available in our council area, no appointment needed – it it doesn’t take long, and it helps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

“Last year many of us were unable to spend Christmas with their loved ones – this year, let’s do all we can to protect each other by getting vaccinated.”

To access a COVID-19 vaccination without booking an appointment see details of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’s walk-in and pop-up clinics COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinic times (stwics.org.uk)or see table below: