Published on: 13th July 2021
As the whole country, including Lincolnshire, waits for the remaining covid restrictions to be lifted next week, people who have not yet had their vaccination are being urged to come forwards, especially those who are at higher risk from covid due to their health conditions.
These people, who are part of the ‘at risk’ cohort 6, are aged between 16-65 years old and have underlying health conditions – of particular concern are those people who have chronic liver disease, serious mental illness, a learning disability or autism, or sickle cell disease*, that put them at a higher risk of serious disease or mortality.
“I’m delighted that a huge number of Lincolnshire people have already come forwards for their first and second vaccinations, including many in cohort 6. For some people the risk of covid is greatly enhanced by an underlying health condition, which is why we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to urge everyone aged 18 or over to get vaccinated, including those in cohort 6 who haven’t come forwards for both vaccinations,” explains Rebecca Neno, Deputy Chief Nurse, NHS Lincolnshire CCG.
Cohort 6 also includes those eligible for a carer’s allowance or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, and residents in a long-term residential facility including those with learning disabilities.
To support the government’s ambition to offer the vaccination to everyone aged 18 or over, the NHS in Lincolnshire continues to offer a range of pre-bookable and walk-in options for people across the county, and this week will run late night walk-ins at its two Mass Vaccination Centres at PRSA, Boston, and the Lincolnshire Showground where it will offer vaccinations until 10pm on Thursday 15th July.
“As of today, Monday 12th July, 84% of Lincolnshire people in cohorts 1-12 have had their first covid vaccination (and 85.6% in cohorts 1-10 have had their second dose), which is fantastic. To reach 85% by Monday 19th July, we need to vaccination approximately 6,500 people, so we’re doing literally everything we can to make this happen,” adds Rebecca.
“The walk-ins have proved popular, as have the various pop-ups we’ve done across the county over recent weekends, and they will continue, along with the introduction of late night walk-ins until 10pm this Thursday evening at PRSA and the Lincolnshire Showground, to provide every opportunity for those still to get vaccinated.”
To get vaccinated as a walk-in all you need to do is turn up, you don’t even need an NHS number. Alternatively you can book an appointment via the National Booking System or by calling 119.
“We really hope people will continue to come and see us to get vaccinated as we make this final push, particularly as getting vaccinated twice is the best way to maximise our protection from covid, find a way out of this pandemic, and maybe a return to being able to do some of the things we used to take for granted.
“We’re keen to see people of any age (18 or over), particularly those who are younger or with underlying health conditions. If you’re not sure about having the vaccination, come and talk to us, our teams will listen to your questions and concerns, and will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision,” adds Rebecca.
