Staffordshire County Council health chiefs are encouraging all eligible residents to book their vaccine appointment before a predicted slowdown of the roll-out from Monday (29 March).

Earlier this month a NHS letter stated the UK faces a "significant reduction" in coronavirus vaccine supplies from 29 March, for an estimated four-week period.

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council's Director of Health and Care has called on anyone who is eligible but has not yet received a first jab to book an appointment in the next few days.

Richard said: "The vaccination programme in Staffordshire has been a great success with more than 500,000 receiving their first jab so far.

"However, there are small pockets across our county where the take up is lower than we would like. I would urge anyone who is eligible people to book their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and effective, and taking up the offer of a vaccine when offered is our best route out of the pandemic for all of our communities."

Eligible people include:

- All those 50 years of age and over

- Frontline health and social care workers

- Adults who have received a letter from the NHS notifying them that they are clinically extremely vulnerable

- People with learning disabilities

- People over 16 with underlying health conditions

- Paid carers

Richard added: "My overriding message to all eligible residents is to make an all-out effort this weekend to book your vaccination so you can protect yourself and your loved ones."

Eligible people can book themselves in for a first dose before Monday online using the national booking system for England.

Even if you have received a vaccine, you still need to follow all the guidance including social distancing, wearing face coverings, hand washing and regular testing.

GPs will continue contacting eligible patients on their lists and offering vaccines to anyone who has not had one so far.