Emergence of new Covid variant sees Hackney’s vaccine rollout brought forward

Vaccine bookings will start on Monday

A Covid vaccination rollout has been brought forward in Hackney after the emergence of the new Pirola variant.

Doctors are keen for eligible and vulnerable patients get the vaccine when it is offered.

Booking opens next Monday and the first vaccines will be given on Tuesday.

People living and working in care homes are already receiving jabs as the campaign gets underway.

Diane Jones, North-East London’s chief nurse, said: “Vaccinations are our best defence against Covid-19 and flu, and it’s vital all those eligible are protected as the new Covid variant has the potential to increase the risk of infection.

“By coming forward for both jabs as soon as you are eligible you will be giving yourself and those around you maximum protection from these nasty viruses this winter.”

Doctors are reassuring residents that the two vaccines can be safely given during the same appointment.

They said the vaccine is the best defence against serious illness or hospitalisation this winter.

People who got their Covid booster last autumn were 53 per cent less likely to be admitted with the virus within two to four weeks compared to those who did not receive it, according to the NHS.

Covid and flu jabs will be given to anyone aged over 65, pregnant women, care home residents, frontline health and care staff and unpaid carers.

People who are clinically at risk and their household contacts will also be able to receive them.

The last death from coronavirus in Hackney and the City was over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Overall, 681 people died from the respiratory illness since the start of the pandemic, with 51 deaths recorded at the peak on 17 April 2020, less than a month after lockdown started.

The flu vaccine is also being offered to most children and is usually given as a quick spray up the nose.

Details on how to book a vaccine are available at northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.