THE town’s health boss has shared his delight after it was announced people aged 21 or over are now eligible to book their Covid-19 jab. 

Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health Steve Maddern told reporters last Friday that most of the cases in the seven days leading up to June 11 resided in the 20 to 24 age bracket. 

Following yesterday's announcement, he told the Adver: “I am delighted to see the vaccination rollout now includes those aged 21 and over.

“I would encourage anyone over this age to book their vaccine and to ensure they have both doses. 

“Vaccine uptake, along with regular testing and continuing to apply the hands, face, space and fresh air guidelines, is key to keeping our cases down in Swindon.”

Those aged over 21 are able to book for the first time using the national booking service.
It comes after the head of the NHS in England said that all adults should be able to book their first coronavirus jab by the end of the week.

Sir Simon Stevens told the NHS Confederation conference on Tuesday that the NHS will “finish the job” of the Covid-19 vaccination programme to the “greatest extent possible” over the next four weeks during the extension of lockdown.

The NHS said that from yesterday it will contact 972,000 21 and 22 year olds to invite them to book their vaccination.

This means only 18-20 year olds are left to get the call.

Lead for the NHS Covid vaccination programme Dr Emily Lawson said: “The largest ever NHS vaccination campaign is in the home stretch of the first dose rollout.

“The vaccine is the most important step you can take to protect yourself, your friends and family so it’s really important everybody in the latest eligible groups books themselves in to get their jab and plays their part in this huge national effort.”

The seven-day rate of infection in Swindon was 26.6 cases per 100.000 people on Tuesday. 

Mr Maddern reminded football fans to follow the remaining restrictions during Euro 2020, with England taking on Scotland in their second game tomorrow night. 

He said: “We want people to enjoy the Euros as much as possible but in a Covid-19 secure way. 

“Monday's roadmap delay shows there is still work to do in protecting ourselves and each other from passing the virus on. 

“Let’s not score an own goal. Think Covid-19 when enjoying the game”

To book a coronavirus vaccination visit www.nhs.uk