Those eligible should come forward for Covid-19 jab, insists South Staffordshire MP
Everyone eligible for their Covid-19 vaccine in the West Midlands and Staffordshire should come forward and have one, a minister has said.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson made the plea to people who are yet to receive their jab – in order to help save "thousands of lives".
It comes as the NHS is set to start vaccinating the over-65s and clinically vulnerable from Monday as part of the next stage of the roll-out.
Mr Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, said: "Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and they offer a route back to normal life.
"They are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will help to save thousands of lives.
"Thanks to the incredible efforts of the NHS, volunteers, our armed forces and local authorities, together we have vaccinated more than 13 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK so far – including around nine in ten of all over-70s.
"Today, I’m encouraging all over-70s across West Midlands and Staffordshire to come forward if they haven’t yet had their vaccine.
"Whether this is you or someone you know, please contact the NHS to arrange a jab.
"This can be done through the online national booking service, by calling 119 or by contacting the local GP practice."
Government chiefs are committed to offering the vaccine to all those over 50 at the beginning of May and all adults by September.
Health chiefs in England previously said at a Downing Street briefing that people aged 70 or older should contact the NHS if they haven't had their vaccine.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, urged people to come forward to get the vaccine "without delay" to protect themselves from the virus.
The national booking system can be accessed online or people can call 119 free of change between 7am and 11pm.
