Staffordshire County Council is urging residents to keep pushing vaccine take up as all people aged 32 and over can now book their Covid jab.

After passing one million doses of the vaccine delivered in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent earlier this month the Council is asking people to keep up the good work in taking up the jab when eligible.

Concerns over the Indian variant means people over 50 and those with severe underlying health conditions will now receive their second dose eight weeks later instead of twelve.

Ten cases of the Indian variant were found in Staffordshire last week and further testing is currently taking place.

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, Dr. Johnny McMahon, said: "Thanks to residents efforts and the hard work of staff, partners and volunteers, the vaccine rollout in Staffordshire is going well.

"However, with the emergence of the Indian variant and vaccine invitations quickly moving down the younger age groups, it's vital that we keep building on this momentum."

A recent study from Public Health England suggests having both doses of the vaccine is highly effective against the variant – underlining the importance of people having their second jab.

Johnny added: "The early studies regarding protection from the Indian variant are pleasing, especially when you have had both doses. So, it's up to us to keep pushing forwards and doing our bit to promote vaccine take up across all our communities and age groups. "

People aged over 32 should book their vaccination without delay by visiting the NHS Book a coronavirus vaccination website.

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