Stokies can book EIGHTH Covid jab - from today

Stokies can snap up their latest Covid jab - from today. NHS booking lines are now open ahead of the Spring Covid vaccination programme which gets underway from April 22.

It is initially targeted at care home residents before extending to the over-75s and patients with weaker immune systems. The jabs will be delivered at 109 vaccination sites across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Latest Government data shows there have been 100,619 coronavirus cases officially recorded in Stoke-on-Trent since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Staffordshire has recorded 335,090 cases over the same period.

It is the eighth round of coronavirus jabs since the pandemic began.

Public health consultant Matthew Missen said: “Due to the success of Covid-19 vaccinations, most people now have good immune protection against Covid-19 infection. Sadly we still see people needing admission to hospital due to Covid-19 causing serious illness.

"This year’s programme aims to protect those most at risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalisation and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to make sure they are protected with a vaccine. The Spring Covid-19 vaccination programme marks another crucial step in our collective efforts to fight the spread of the virus and continue protecting those most at risk of serious illness caused by Covid-19.

“Even though we have done a great job at combatting the virus so far, there is still a need to continue Covid-19 vaccination efforts as viruses change and people’s protection fades over time. Because of this, we encourage everyone eligible for vaccination to promptly book their appointments and take advantage of the safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines available to protect themselves, friends and family from the virus."

The Spring vaccination programme runs until June 30. Appointments can be made via the NHS website or by dialling 119.

If you're on the lookout for local news, we have you covered with our FREE email newsletter - sign up in the box at the top of this story or click here.