HEALTH officials are urging the public to act now and get the COVID-19 vaccination before the Spring vaccination programme ends next week, as a new virulent strain continues to spread across the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the new variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in the UK and international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all COVID-19 cases.
World Health Organisation analysis supports these findings, indicating that while the new strain appears to transmit more efficiently between people, vaccinated individuals maintain significant protection against serious outcomes, including hospitalisation and death.
Over 400,000 people have had the vaccination across the North West region since the programme launched in March.
Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, is encouraging anyone not yet vaccinated to come forward as soon as possible.
He said, “This is the final chance to get the spring COVID-19 vaccine and top up your protection against the virus for the coming months. If you are eligible you don’t need to wait for an invitation, come forward to book your appointment or visit a walk-in clinic as soon as possible.”
“The vaccine is effective against the new variant and remains our best defence against severe illness.”
The variant looks to be spreading rapidly within communities, with top symptoms being a ‘razor blade’ sore throat and swollen neck glands, as well as well-known COVID symptoms like high temperature, aches and blocked nose.
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