Latest figures show that over 900 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Wolverhampton last week, with the infection rate among 17 to 24 year olds almost twice that of the city as a whole.
An increasing number of people, including younger patients, are also being admitted to hospital – the vast majority of whom have not been vaccinated.
The free vaccine, which is now available to people aged 16 and over, offers a high level of protection against the virus, with data from Public Health England and Cambridge University showing it has prevented around 22 million infections, 60,000 deaths and 66,900 hospitalisations nationally.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It's not surprising that infection rates are highest among younger people – they have only been eligible for the vaccine for a few weeks and are also more likely to be in close contact with others, either at work, in education or while they are out socialising.
“But people are not immune to the virus just because they are young and, now that they are eligible for the vaccine, it's crucial they get it.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, added: "Covid-19 infection rates remain very high in Wolverhampton and, as society continues to open back up, they are likely to increase further.
" We know how effective the vaccine is in terms of reducing people's chances of becoming ill with Covid-19, so it's incredibly important that people get vaccinated as soon as they can.
"Having the vaccine is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and others. Over 165,000 residents in Wolverhampton have now had at least one jab and, with dozens of walk-in sites operating in Wolverhampton every week, it couldn't be easier for you to come forward today and get yours if you haven't already.
"Please remember that, to have maximum protection, you need to get both your first and second jab – the second dose should be had 8 weeks after the first."
Over 30 walk-in vaccination clinics are being held in Wolverhampton every week, enabling people to get their first or second jab without an appointment. They are open to anyone aged over 18 and some locations are also offering vaccinations to 16 and 17 year olds. For full details, please visit Walk-in vaccinations.
Councillor Jaspal continued: "There is plenty more you can to do help stop the spread of Covid-19, such as keeping your distance from others, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places like in shops and on buses, trains and trams, and getting tested regularly, so please continue to play your part."
For full details of the current measures, please visit Covid alert.
People without symptoms of Covid-19 are encouraged to get a regular rapid – details at Lateral Flow Home Test Kits – in order to reassure themselves and others that they don’t have the virus.
Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate and book a PCR test via GOV.UK or by calling 119.
Latest figures show there were 348.2 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last 7 days. That means 916 people tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.
