People as young as 17 turn up for ‘Walk in’ vaccine

The Indian variant of Covid 19 has increased vaccine programmes in Greater Manchester.

An extra 1,000 doses of Pfizer a day will be delivered to the area. Whereas the rest of the country is only eligible for a vaccine aged 38 or over, Bolton residents were given a chance to get the vaccine if over 18 years old.

The new programme comes as statistics show Bolton has 10x higher infection than the rest of the UK. Scientists believe the it is fast becoming a hot spot for the Indian variant, which is 50% more contagious than the current strain (known as the Kent variation).

Conservative Councillor, Andy Morgan, sent out a tweet saying there was 4,000 vaccines available. Explaining “the team will find a reason to vaccinate you”. The tweet, which has since been deleted, claims anyone with a Bolton postcode and Bolton GP are eligible for the vaccine.

The Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group agree’s that anyone can visit the Vaccine bus if they are registered with a GP. However, they specify that receivers must be over 38 or reach the other eligibility criteria. This criteria is whether they are shielding, have a long term condition or care for someone who does.

Professor Chris Whitty, during a Downing Street press conference, said “there is not a endless supply of vaccines”. By vaccinating the 18 year olds, and those younger than 38, they are taking away from the most vulnerable. Chris’s first aim is to protect those where transmission and death rates are higher.

Bolton hoping vaccine will prevent further lockdown restrictions

The race is on as people in Bolton desperately try to avoid any further lockdown restrictions. Health secretary Matt Hancock explains that “the vast majority” of people did not take up the offer of a vaccine. This refusal comes despite the Indian Variant putting them in hospital.

One person did take up the vaccine, but were “very frail”. Five of those in hospital with the Indian variant have received the first dose. Mr Hancock was “not aware” of anyone dying of the Indian Variant after receiving both doses.

Talking to Sophy Ridge on Sky’s Sunday programme, Matt went on to explain they are taking the same approach as South London. This includes mass testing and vaccinations, supported by Army personnel.

The Health Secretary said the plan was to “pile on the testing and vaccinations” to get on top of the growing numbers. However, he is not going to rule out further restrictions if necessary. He finished by saying that the Government did not want to restrict Bolton further as they have been in some form of lockdown for over a year. However if it is a step they have to take , they will take it “if its necessary to protect people”

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