Over 210,000 Covid-19 jabs have now been given in Wolverhampton – with eligibility being extended to anyone aged 34 and over from today (Thursday).

Latest figures show 136,232 residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine, while 74,507 people are now fully vaccinated after having both doses. Anyone who is eligible for the life-saving vaccine but hasn’t had it yet is urged to book theirs as soon as possible.

The vaccine is currently available to anyone aged 34-plus, or who will turn 34 before 1 July, the clinically extremely vulnerable, people with a learning disability, frontline health and social care workers and people in receipt of Carer's Allowance or who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person. Appointments can be made through the national booking website.  

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The vaccine is the best protection we have against Covid-19 and I would like to thank everyone involved in the rollout for their brilliant work in administering over 210,000 jabs in Wolverhampton so far. 

“It’s brilliant news that more than 136,000 residents have had their first jab – and even better news that nearly 75,000 residents have now had both doses of the vaccine, which gives them maximum protection against this deadly virus.

“Given that the new, potentially more transmissable variant first identified in India is now circulating in Wolverhampton, it is imperitive that everyone gets their jab as soon as they are able to, not only to protect themselves but others, too.

"I would particularly urge those aged 50 and over, who are at greater risk from serious illness from Covid-19, to make sure they get both doses of the vaccination as soon as possible."

For more information about the vaccine, including the answers to frequently asked questions, please visit Covid-19 Vaccine or NHS. People will need to register with a GP surgery in England in order to receive the vaccine. For more details, please visit NHS.     

Councillor Jaspal added: “Please remember that even once you have had both doses of the vaccine, you must still continue to adhere to the measures the Government has put in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, and follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance. Please also get a regular Covid-19 rapid test to reassure yourselves and others that you don’t have the virus.”

For details of rapid testing, please visit Lateral Flow Home Test Kits. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, which include a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test by visiting GOV.UK or calling 119.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. Further details of the restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at Covid Alert