As Covid-19 infection rates continue to rise locally and nationally and the easing of restrictions are delayed until next month, the ongoing rollout of the vaccination programme is critical in the fight against coronavirus.
Vaccination figures released today show that 155,920 people have now had the first dose of the life-saving vaccine and 115,182 people have the best protection from Covid-19 after having had both doses. In total 271,102 injections have been administered throughout the city.
These numbers have been bolstered recently with the launch of a vaccine bus, a targeted offer taking vaccinations directly to areas of the city with lower uptake.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The growing number of adults in Wolverhampton now protected is great news. However, we are seeing infection rates continuing to rise now across the city, driven by the more dominant Delta variant.
“Recent studies have shown that the vaccines are still highly effective against these new variants, but that to benefit from that protection, you must complete your vaccination by having both doses.
“With all adults in the city now eligible for the vaccine I want to encourage residents to book theirs as soon as they can, and to make sure they get their second doses too.”
Across the country, the more transmissible Delta variant is now the dominant strain and is having a significant impact on infection rates making it more important than ever to continue to follow Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, even after vaccination, to reduce the risk of picking up or passing on the virus to other people.
Councillor Jaspal added: “Your vaccine protects you against serious illness caused by Covid-19, but you could still pass the virus on to other people. That’s why it’s important to continue to follow advice about washing hands, covering faces and social distancing and taking regular rapid coronavirus tests.”
Everyone over the age of 18 in England is now eligible for their Covid-19 vaccine and are encouraged to book both doses as soon as possible. Anyone over the age of 40 who has not yet completed their vaccination by having the second dose is advised to bring their appointment forward if possible, so that the gap between injections is eight weeks rather than twelve. Covid-19 vaccinations can be booked online at NHS or by calling NHS 119.
The latest figures show there were 64.6 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the 7 days to 21 June. That means 170 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that 7 day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.
