Hackney vaccine programme reaches 100k milestone
Over 100,000 Hackney residents have now safely received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in a major milestone for the borough’s vaccination programme.
Last week those aged 32 and over could book their vaccinations using the NHS portal, which led to a surge in vaccination uptake. But Hackney still has one of the lowest rates of total vaccination uptake in the country, due in part to the young age profile of our residents. Around 70% of the population is aged 40 or under.
For people aged over 40, who are most at risk of the worst effects of coronavirus such as hospitalization, there is still a way to go to get fully vaccinated. Currently, only about 2 in 3 Hackney residents over 40 have even had their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. That is why the NHS is doing special walk-in vaccination clinics for the over 40s in Dalston over the next few weeks.
Make sure to take the Covid-19 vaccine when you are eligible, and join the millions of people nationally, and thousands of people locally who have had their vaccination. Having the Covid-19 vaccine is free and easy. It is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against Covid-19. Please, make sure to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it is your turn.
I am so proud that Hackney has reached this milestone in our vaccination programme. It’s great to know that so many people are now fully or partially protected from coronavirus - I’ve had my vaccine - and I want to let people know that it is safe and it is effective. Make sure you book your appointment and get the vaccine when you’re eligible, it is the best way to keep safe from coronavirus. A deadly disease that has tragically claimed nearly 500 lives so far in Hackney.
If you’ve already had the vaccine, why not encourage those who haven't yet to take it. Our loved ones and neighbours can sometimes just need a little bit of reassurance with their decision that it is the best way to keep safe. We will keep working across our diverse communities and with the local NHS to ensure that we support more residents to get the vaccine.
I am very happy that about 1 in 3 Hackney residents have managed to have their first vaccine dose already, but we can’t be complacent, this still leaves a large number of people to be vaccinated. Also, less than 1 in 5 people have had their second dose so far. Having the second dose is crucial to ensure maximum protection from the virus.
There are also some communities and groups locally who have been left behind - having not been vaccinated. This is something we are working on very hard with the NHS to ensure no matter what language you speak, or what walk of life you are from, you can easily get your free COVID-19 vaccination. Local volunteers and community groups are also working hard to ensure we are able to offer vaccination clinics in different locations, every week in June - to make the vaccine easily available to everyone and make sure they and their loved ones are protected from this terrible disease.
If you are aged 30 or over, you can now book your vaccination appointment by calling 119 or going to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
If you’re between 18 to 39, or pregnant, you will only be offered the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. This is in line with the advice from Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Send your vaccine or vaccine card selfie to us by 21 June and you could win a £10 voucher, tag @HackneyCouncil on Twitter or email your photo to press@hackney.gov.uk.
Answers to some of the most common questions on the vaccine can be found on the Council website: hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-vaccine or residents can ask questions via twitter by tagging @HackneyCouncil or emailing testandtrace@hackney.gov.uk.
Sign up to the Council’s e-newsletter to keep up to date with the vaccination rollout: hackney.gov.uk/newsletters