Get your booster now – Covid rate climbs above 800 per 100,000 and is likely to get much higher

Public health bosses have urged residents to get their Covid booster jab immediately as the infection rate in Bury climbs to its highest ever.

The rate - 812 cases per 100,000 population – is being driven by the Omicron variant which is now the dominant variant in Bury.

Latest figures show that cases are rising across all age groups, with the fastest increases among adults aged between 20 and 40, which suggests that the protection many people got from the first two vaccinations or previous infection is waning.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “This is serious. The new Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous strains, so more people are becoming infected, and at a faster rate than before.

“We know that having a booster hugely increases your defences against this virus, and reduces your chances of becoming seriously ill.

“So far, around 75,000 people in Bury had received their booster shots, but that is only 67% of those eligible so far – those who had their second jab at least 91 days ago – and there are still many people who have not yet had any vaccinations.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself – we’re offering walk-in and bookable sessions across Bury, and arranging more clinics all the time.”

Details of vaccination clinics, which include both walk-ins and bookable appointments, are here: https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15987

Remember, Covid spreads between people through the air. Other ways to protect yourself and prevent Covid spreading:

• Carefully consider whether you really need to go out or meet people
• If you do need to go out or meet people, take a home test (Lateral Flow test) immediately beforehand
• Meet outside if possible or let in fresh air when meeting indoors
• Wear a face covering (ideally a proper face mask) in shops and on public transport – it’s the law

Lesley added: “Thousands of people in Bury have still not had their first or second vaccinations – but it’s never too late! Our clinics are offering first, second and third doses, and boosters. They are also offering flu jabs to eligible groups.

“Let’s give ourselves and our loved ones the protection we need and help keep essential services going so that they are there when we need them.

“Don’t delay – do it today.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 December 2021.