Carlisle residents are urged to make sure they get their COVID-19 vaccine.
The WHO Carlisle Health Forum, made up of several organisations, seeks to support projects and initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of local residents.
The group is urging people to take up the opportunity to have a vaccine or booster.
Although there’s a high uptake in North Cumbria, some residents haven’t taken the chance to have a vaccine.
Carlisle City Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, speaking on behalf of the WHO Carlisle Health Forum, said: “Although more than 83,300 people aged over 12 in Carlisle have had at least one vaccine, there are still some residents that haven’t taken up the offer to have a vaccine.
“We urge them to get a jab to help protect themselves, their family, friends and work colleagues.
“You can book a slot ay any of the community pharmacy vaccine centres in Carlisle or go to a drop in at St Paul’s pharmacy on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”
People are reminded that:
- The NHS is currently offering first, second and boosters when eligible. There should be eight weeks between the first and second jab and six months between the second and third jab.
- 12 to 17-year-olds currently only get one jab
- The schools programme for 12 to 15-year-olds will carry on after half term and the option to book through the national booking system is being developed – parental/guardian consent is needed.
Ed Tallis, director of primary care for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It doesn’t matter why you haven’t had a vaccine.
“You may have been ill when you were called, you may have been worried and decided to wait, or you may have refused.
“None of that matters! You will be made to feel very welcome. You can book through the national booking system or just walk in at St Paul’s when they are open and there will be a clinician you can have a chat with if you have any specific worries.
“Our take-up in Cumbria has been really strong and we don’t want anyone to feel as if they have missed the chance – no matter why you haven’t had the vaccine it isn’t too late, just book in or walk in.”
You can find more information about vaccinations at https://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/covidvaccine
You can book a slot at any of the community pharmacy vaccine centres in Carlisle:
- Carlisle – Boots in English Street
- Carlisle – Pharmacy in St Paul’s Church, Lonsdale Street
- Carlisle – Harraby Community Centre
- Carlisle – Well Pharmacy on Blackwell Road
The national booking system can be booked at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
The St Paul’s Pharmacy on Lonsdale Street is also able to accept walk-ins on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Colin Cox, director of public health at Cumbria County Council, said: “We’re moving into winter now and the weather is noticeably changing. The booster vaccine, as well as the flu vaccine, are there to protect you during this time when several viruses are circulating – exacerbated by the colder temperatures.
“I’d also like to remind people that self-isolation rules remain in place. If you’re symptomatic and waiting for the result of a PCR test, you must self-isolate even if you’ve had both doses of your COVID-19 vaccine.”
