More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
People aged 50 and under are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine so the UK can “continue on the path back to normality”.
It comes as about half a million more people in England are being invited to book their jab as the vaccine rollout extends to 42-year-olds.
The national booking system has been extended for the second time in two days to allow more healthy adults in their 40s to book their jab.
Kent saw a 29% rise in vaccinations last week, as cases fluctuate across the county.
But Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks warned there could be a third wave of infections if rules are not followed while restrictions are eased.
His advice to prevent a spike was: "Get the vaccination if you're offered it and do all those things about spacing and social distancing and wearing a mask - that we don't really like - but it is a very effective way of stopping spread.
"Kent has proportionally given more vaccines than anywhere else in the country but it is a bit of a bumpy road at the moment because of the low vaccine supplies that should be correcting very soon and then we'll ramp up the number we're giving again."
A UK Government campaign - called “every vaccination gives us hope” - sees the launch of a TV advert which will showcase the health workers and volunteers involved in the rollout across the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the campaign will mostly be aimed at the under-50s who will be offered their first dose, as well as the over 50s who are booked in for their second dose, to encourage vaccine uptake.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines are helping us get back to doing the things we have missed – they protect you and those around you.
“This campaign is a remarkable and poignant reminder of everything we’ve been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to – as well as the tireless efforts of our volunteers, NHS heroes and the British people.
“Every vaccination gives us hope and I urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccine when it comes, as we continue on the path back to normality.”
People in England who are aged 42 and over, or those who will turn 42 before July 1, can now arrange their vaccine appointment through the national booking website.
The system only opened to those aged 44 and over yesterday.
