The manager of Nottingham's vaccine hub has said Covid is still a threat to people across the county as she urged residents to take up their boosters. Those aged between 50 and 64 are now able to book their autumn booster jabs.
Jess Waterhouse, who helps run Haydn Road Vaccination Centre at the Courtaulds Building, said it was incredibly important to stay updated on their vaccinations ahead of the winter. The latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest one in 37 people in the UK has coronavirus, a rise from one in 50 the week before.
Public health officials in Nottinghamshire have previously issued important advice over concerns of the prospect of a 'twindemic' - a combination of flu and Covid-19 which could put pressure on the NHS this winter. "It's incredibly important because we know immunity from this vaccination does wane over time so this is another booster," Ms Waterhouse said.
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"I think Covid is here and it's prevalent. I think it's still out there, very much so, it's very much a threat and capable of mutating." Frontline healthcare workers, clinically at risk people and people living with them are also among those able to get their boosters.
Nineteen-year-old Charlie Stubbs was queuing for the latest vaccine when moved to Haydn Road from Forest Recreation Ground in June visited Haydn Road Vaccination Centre, which has capacity for up to 900 jabs a day. He said he was receiving his booster to both protect his mum and himself as he has asthma.
"I think it's really important, at the end of the day the reason society is at the place it is now is because we took up the vaccine in such high numbers. I know one of my friends had Covid and was quite bad so I had to get it."
The vaccination hub, which moved to Haydn Road from Forest Recreation Ground in June, offers booked and walk-in appointments. People can also take up the vaccine by visiting Ashfield Health Village, booking a satellite appointment or visiting a local pharmacy.
One vaccinator, Josh Godfrey, has jabbed more than 10,000 people since joining the programme after leaving his job as a cabin crew member at British Airways.
"I was on furlough and someone recommended it to me," the 26-year-old from Carrington said. "I just serendipitously enjoyed it so much as everyone was coming together. I felt as though we were really clubbing together and was quite inspiring to see and be part of.
"I'm happy to keep doing it and look for a career in healthcare." NHS Nottinghamshire said more than 150,000 people have already booked their autumn booster.
Ms Waterhouse added: "As you get older that immunity does wane quicker so that is why the programme is scheduled to keep people topped up, so their immunity's nice and fresh and they have the best possible chance to fight against Covid.
"It's essential to stay on top of it, and the way we do that is by providing this robust vaccination programme. Just because it's not on the front pages doesn't mean it's not there, we'll continue to battle against it and we very much want to give our population the best chance of getting through this winter period."
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