'Access teams' to be introduced in Oldham to encourage continued take-up of Covid vaccine.

Date published: 25 February 2021


Oldham Council is to introduce 'access teams' across the borough to ensure every resident has the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Deputy Leader, Councillor Arooj Shah says a "robust engagement programme" has led to a high take-up of the Covid vaccination in the borough, but there are still myths circulating about the inoculations.

From Friday, teams will be contacting patients who have not responded to invitations to be vaccinated to provide reassurances around the programme.  They will be working alongside GPs to encourage take-up of the vaccine.

Oldham's Director of Public Health, Katrina Stephens says anyone who is unsure about getting the vaccine should speak to their GP.

"There are a lot of myths surrounding the vaccine, but I'd encourage anyone with concerns to speak to their GP and ensure they engage with trusted sources of information.

"Thousands of people in Oldham, and hundreds of thousands across the country have now received the vaccine, and adverse reactions are very rare indeed."

Almost 60,000 people have now been vaccinated in the borough.

Ms Stephens added that people in the Oldham have to be "extra careful" as lockdown restrictions are eased.

The Public Health Director says Oldham's infection rate is still higher than the national average, so the lifting of regulations in the borough carries more risk.

"It's important that residents continued to follow the Government guidelines of "Hands, Face, Space" to ensure the rate continues to fall.

"Try to comply with the advice as much as possible.  This time, there seems to be a national approach with regards to the easing of measures, but we need to remember our rate is higher than the national average, so we need to be extra careful."

Local leaders have thanked Oldhamers this week for their "exceptional adherance and compliance" with the regulations.


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