Over 290,000 life saving Covid-19 vaccinations have now been administered in Wolverhampton, latest figures show.

A total of 163,659 first doses have now been given since the start of the vaccination programme, while 127,345 residents have maximum protection from the deadly virus after getting both doses.

All adults in Wolverhampton are eligible for the free vaccine. To book, please visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines or call NHS 119. In addition, first and second jabs are available without an appointment at the vaccine bus which is at Bilston Market until Sunday, from 10am to 4pm each day, and at a number of other walk in clinics; for full details, please visit Walk-in vaccinations

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “More and more people are getting themselves protected against this deadly virus, which is particularly important given that infection rates are continuing to rise in Wolverhampton and elsewhere and the Government is relaxing restrictions further on Monday.

“If you haven’t already had your first jab, or you are now due your second, please get it as soon as possible – and remember that to fully benefit from the maximum protection that the vaccines offer, you must have both doses.”

She added: “Your vaccine protects you against serious illness caused by Covid-19, but you could still pass the virus on to other people. That’s why we are urging all residents to continue to practice Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air, even when restrictions are lifted on Monday, and to get a free rapid Covid-19 test twice a week to reassure themselves and others that they don’t have the virus.”

Latest figures show there were 327.7 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last 7 days. That means 862 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

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.