Mel Stride MP, who has campaigned to encourage vaccine take up in his Central Devon constituency, has praised the exceptional take up of vaccine invitations locally and across the South West. New figures show that 99% of those over-70 in the region have now received their first jab – the highest level of take up anywhere in the country with other England regions varying between 85% and 97%.
The 1% not to have received their first jab potentially include people who intend to take it but have had Covid recently and need to wait several weeks before having the jab. It could also include a small number of people with multiple allergies who need an appointment at a specialist centre with full resuscitation equipment on site. Therefore the figure of 99% could get even higher.
Mr Stride said:
“I am delighted and relieved that residents over the age of 70 in Central Devon and across our region have listened to our scientists and doctors and had their jabs when invited. A 99% take up rate in the South West is exceptional and will save lives, relieve pressure on our NHS and help ensure lockdown restrictions are lifted on time.”
Over 70’s represent one of the four groups prioritised for the vaccine, along with care home staff, frontline social and health workers and clinically extremely vulnerable people.
