Dr Jagan John, North East London Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and Clinical Chair for Barking and Dagenham column
We recently reached the milestone of giving two million Covid-19 vaccines to residents in north east London! This is a fantastic achievement and I’m so proud of my colleagues and partners who’ve worked tirelessly to deliver the NHS’s largest ever vaccination programme.
Despite this positive news, we’re not out of the woods yet. As winter approaches it’s vital everyone who is eligible for the vaccine has it.
I particularly want to ask people between the ages of 18 and 30 to have their vaccine. We’re seeing more young adults getting seriously ill from Covid-19, so not only will the vaccine protect your family, friends and neighbours, it will protect you.
As well as vaccinating everyone aged 18 and over, we’re also now vaccinating people who are three months away from turning 18. Having the vaccine may mean you can get back to doing the things you love more quickly.
It’s easy to have the vaccine and you can book your appointment at a time and place that suits you here or by calling 119. Additionally, you can find places to get vaccinated in Barking and Dagenham here.
Two doses of the vaccine reduces your chance of being infected by almost 80%, so don’t forget to book to have your second dose eight weeks or more after your first.
Shortly, we’ll be starting to vaccinate some 12-17 year olds who are more at risk of serious illness. The NHS will contact eligible people to invite them to have their vaccine.
