Plea for people to get their ‘jab and save your Christmas’ in Essex

In the seven days to November 19, the latest data available, there were 1,011 cases recorded in Colchester alone.

It gives the borough a case rate of 512.7 cases per 100,000 people.

The most cases were recorded in Greenstead with 77, followed by Shrub End where there were 72 cases.

The next highest was Parsons Heath where there were 68 cases with Abbey Field next at 66 cases.

It comes as the over 40s in Essex are being told getting booster jabs is the ‘most urgent priority’ in the fight against Covid-19.

The age group is being encouraged to take advantage of the NHS’s Big Weekend Event of walk-in and bookable appointments this Saturday and Sunday.

John Spence, who is responsible for health and adult social care in Essex said: “I am urging residents to please take up their booster vaccine as soon as they can.

“This is the most urgent priority in our fight against Covid-19 – we need to get boosters in the arms of everyone who is over 40-years-old.

John Spence has made the plea about booster jabs

“One in six people in Essex over the age of 80, and one in four people over 70 have still yet to get their booster. The booster jab is critical to best protect their health over the winter months.

“Getting the booster means they are far less likely to suffer complications of the virus as their immunity from their first two doses starts to wane.

“It will also help to reduce the number of hospitalisations and pressures on our health service this winter.

Read more >> The areas of Colchester with the highest Covid cases as more than 1,000 recorded

“Keeping our focus on getting vaccinated for the first time where we haven’t been and getting the booster where we’re eligible is vital.

“Having a booster increases the chances of us all being able to have a happy Christmas.”

Residents who are due their Covid-19 booster jab, once they have waited six months since their second dose , are being asked to book now.

Studies show after three months the immunity starts to slowly decrease and having a booster jab increases it back up to over 90 per cent.

Dave Harris, who is ward councillor for Abbey Field, said the vaccination bus would visit his area on December 11 and 18.

Dave Harris is worried about rising cases in his ward

It will be at the car park of St Margaret’s Church.

He said: “I am deeply concerned that the Covid rates in parts of Colchester are at the worst rate in Essex.

“I have have been concerned for a while having seen vaccination rates, and rates of infection rising.

“I thank the NHS staff and the volunteers who are doing so much to stem the tide.”