Devon gets boosted

Third jabs among UK's highest

Parts of Devon are among the highest in the country for the number of people who have had a covid booster jab.

Across the UK, 42 per cent (as of Monday 13 December) of those aged over 12 have received a booster, as the government urges the public to “get boosted now” amid concerns over the new Omicron variant.

In eight of the ten council areas in Devon (excluding Devon County Council) the proportion is higher, with only Plymouth and Exeter lagging behind at just over a third – probably due to their younger populations.

East Devon ranks highest in the county at 53 per cent – one of the highest figures in England. West Devon also has more than half of its eligible population now fully vaccinated (52 per cent).

Teignbridge, Torbay, the South Hams and Torridge all rank highly at just under half, while Mid Devon and North Devon also come in above the national average.

This week, the NHS in Devon said it is working to increase the number of vaccine clinics and extend opening hours following the prime minister’s announcement of the Omicron emergency booster mission.

More volunteers are being recruited in order to offer everyone over 18 who had their second dose at least three months ago a booster by the end of the year. However, people who have had a positive covid PCR test must wait 28 days before having the third jab.

Since the prime minister spoke to the nation on Sunday, vaccination sites have experienced exceptionally high demand. People attending are being asked to come prepared to queue, be patient and to use public transport where possible, due to pressure on car parking.

It is now mandatory to wear masks on public transport again to mitigate the risks of infection whilst travelling.

NHS Devon’s chief nurse Darryn Allcorn said: “It is vital that people listen to the message that two doses is not enough to give you good protection against the Omicron variant. We do need a third, booster dose to bring our immunity back up.

“We already have people in hospital in the UK who have the Omicron variant and scientists cannot say that it is less severe than other covid-19 variants.”

Steve Brown, Devon’s director of public health added: “The emergence of the Omicron variant, and the uncertainty right now about its impact on our health, is a reminder of how quickly situations can change.

“We know that the Omicron strain of the coronavirus is more infectious than previous variants, and it is clear that we need to do more to reduce the risk of transmission. Taking up third or booster vaccination is vital, and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to do so as soon as possible.

“I also urge everyone to heed the national guidance around the wearing of face coverings, now a requirement in most public places, especially in confined, indoor and crowded spaces; to work from home if you can; and to social distance as much as possible.

People can register as volunteers via a simple application form on the website “Our Plymouth”, the regional volunteering organisation which is coordinating  volunteers for all mass vaccination centres across Devon.