A CALL has been issued for Colchester residents to get their booster jabs and stem the tide of Covid infections.

Latest infection rates for the town show there were 1,003 new cases in the seven days leading up to October 21, however that was a drop of seven per cent from the week before.

And in Tendring, there were 723 cases in the same period, up 13 per cent.

But concerns have been raised over an increase in cases with winter arriving and now walk-in centres are being set up to encourage people over-50s to get their follow up jabs.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “It is vital everyone who is due to have their booster vaccine, has it.

“As time goes by, the immunity from the first two doses of the vaccine is likely to reduce and this is sadly the case in older and more vulnerable people who had their jab first.

“As we head further into the colder months, we must also do everything we can to minimise the spread of the virus in the wider population.

“Regular testing remains important, and I’d urge everyone to do so twice a week.

“The action we take as a population over the coming weeks really will make a difference in slowing the rise in case rates and reducing pressure on local NHS services.”

Latest vaccination rates in Colchester show130,421 residents have received both first and second doses - about 66 per cent of the adult population.

The walk-in centres have booster jabs for residents who are due their third vaccination which must be at least six months (182 days) after their second Covid-19 jab.

In Essex, the latest data suggests the lowest rates of Covid-19 are in those over 60 and the highest are in those of secondary school age.

Statistics show a total of 3,262 under-18s in Colchester have had their first coronavirus vaccination.

A record 111,000 pupils nationally missed school last week because they tested positive for Covid.

n Walk-in centres change on a regular basis. You can find out where your nearest walk-in centre is at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site.

Alternatively, contact your doctor to make an appointment.