12 March - Don’t delay – the second dose is on its way!

Released:

Eligible people living in all parts of the Solihull borough are being encouraged to make sure they have their second dose of the COVID vaccine to help keep everyone safe.

Uptake for the first dose has been positive, with 44% of the borough’s population vaccinated with over 94% in many of the key priority groups who have been called so far. Working with our local NHS, the Council wants to ensure everyone has their second dose to help in the ongoing fight against COVID.

And for those who are yet to take up the offer of their first vaccine – it’s not too late to join everyone else!

Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said:

“We are really pleased to see so many of our residents have had their first dose of the vaccine and we are urging them to make sure they book in for their second dose. Having both will ensure people have greater protection from this deadly virus and they will also be playing a huge part in protecting others.

“For those who have still not received their first dose but are eligible, please take up the offer now and join the rest of us in fighting coronavirus. The more people who are vaccinated, the quicker we can start to move on and get back to some sense of normality.

“We’re not entirely sure why some people are choosing not to get vaccinated, but we would urge family, friends and colleagues who have had their vaccination to share their experiences and encourage those who may be hesitant, to book in.

“The MHRA which monitors vaccine safety has shown that only 3 in 1,000 people in the UK report having a reaction to the vaccination. The vast majority of reported side effects are minor including sore arms and mild ‘flu-like’ symptoms. These symptoms show that your immune system is responding to the vaccine as it should do.

“We understand some people may also be concerned about the vaccination having an impact on fertility, which are completely unfounded. If people are reluctant to get vaccinated because of this, may I urge you to visit the British Fertility Society website which contains a useful document in response to these concerns.”

To find more information and trusted, accurate sources of help to answer any vaccine queries please go to the local vaccine site here.

People who fall into the eligible categories for receiving their vaccination can go online and book their vaccine on the NHS website here.