Mayor of Rugby urges residents to get the Covid-19 vaccine

Cllr Bill Lewis attended an appointment at the vaccination centre based at Locke House on Woodside Park to receive the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine - one of three coronavirus vaccines currently approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The nationwide rollout of the vaccine started in December, with a list of nine priority groups for vaccination published by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) based on age, clinical vulnerability and potential exposure to the virus through work.

The vaccine is administered through two doses, with the second jab given between three to 12 weeks after the first.

Your GP makes contact to arrange the appointment to receive the vaccine. 

Residents may receive a letter from the NHS offering the opportunity to attend the large vaccination centre at Stoneleigh's National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), or one of the other vaccination centres operating across the country, but you can still opt to wait until you hear from your GP.

Cllr Lewis said: "The volunteers at the vaccination centre at Locke House do an amazing job, with many doctors and nurses volunteering to help out at the centre on days off from work.

"The jab itself was quick and painless, and I'd encourage any resident who has questions about the vaccine to speak to their GP when contacted. 

"During the last year we have all experienced many challenges, losing loved ones, being separated from family and friends. The vaccination programme gives us all real hope of brighter days ahead, and it's so important we all embrace this opportunity to protect ourselves from this virus."

Figures published by the NHS revealed more than eight million people in England had received the first dose of the vaccine by Sunday 31 January.

Following vaccination, residents must still follow Government guidance on lockdown restrictions and adhere to social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a face mask.

For more information on the vaccination programme, visit the NHS website.