Mayor gets Covid Booster jab and encourages others to do likewise

Speaking after getting his jab at the city's Nightingale Vaccination Centre,  Mayor Councillor Harry Trueman, said: "This is all about keeping each other and our loved ones safe so why delay something that could potentially save your life. I couldn't wait to have mine and I'd urge everyone else who is eligible to get theirs done too.

"I've seen the devastating impact Covid has had on communities across our city where families have been left broken by the loss of a loved one to this dreadful disease. A good friend of mine who had it recently has been quite ill with it.

"My message to everyone who is eligible is please, please get your booster jab. If you're eligible, it's because you need to top up your immunity. It could help save your own life and those of others. 

During the visit to the Nightingale Vaccination Centre, the Mayor and the Mayoress, Councillor Dorothy Trueman, also took time to thank the NHS staff who work there for all their hard work. The Mayoress also had her Covid booster jab.

The Nightingale Vaccination Centre  has administered 211,000 vaccinations since opening as a vaccination centre in January this year.

Cllr Trueman added: "The staff there do an amazing job, working tirelessly to keep people safe from this dreadful virus by administering potentially lifesaving vaccines and  they deserve both our gratitude and our praise."

Covid booster jabs are available to all those most at risk from Covid including anyone over 50 who has had their last vaccine more than six months ago. 

This includes:

- People who live and work in care homes
- Frontline health and social care workers
- People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- People aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
- People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

Sunderland's Director of Public Health Gerry Taylor, said: "It's really important that everyone who is eligible takes up their booster jab at the earliest opportunity because it's the best way of giving yourself longer term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid 19.

"It's also really easy, you can book an appointment online at a vaccination centre or pharmacy if you prefer, some sites are offering walk-ins for those who are eligible, or you can wait to be contacted by your GP surgery. So I'd urge everyone not to delay.

"With high rates of infection across all age groups, particularly younger people, I'd also encourage everyone to carry on taking simple precautions such as wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed public places, washing your hands regularly and keeping your distance when out and about. It's also safer to meet outdoors if you can and to open a window if meeting indoors.

"These can all make a real difference, as can testing twice a week using Lateral Flow Tests which are available for home delivery or to collect from your local pharmacy. You need a 'collect code' to pick tests up from a pharmacy and you can find out more about how to order one or get home tests at www.Gov.UK. 

"If your test is positive, if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, or if you have any symptoms - even mild ones - it's really important to self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately. You'll need to stay at home until you receive your PCR test results and then follow the public health guidance on what to do next. With lots of winter viruses in circulation, you should also stay at home if you feel unwell to help stop passing on any infections.

"By doing these basic things we can help to protect ourselves, our families and our communities."

For more information see Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)