RESIDENTS reluctant to have another vaccine have been warned “complacency is the virus’ friend” by those who feel getting jabbed is the only way to maintain normality.

The roll-out of a fourth coronavirus vaccination, designed to boost protection against Covid-19, started in April with over 75s and the most vulnerable being prioritised.

The initial trial reportedly returned positive results, with evidence suggesting the new jab provided a higher immunity in comparison to the first booster shot.

Scientists have warned any short-term defence against the latest and more concerning variants of the virus could still waiver quickly.

But if the UK’s vaccine committee believes a fourth jab would be beneficial to keeping Covid-19 at bay, more people could see themselves offered it later this year.

Gazette:

Gazette readers, however, have been left divided over whether or not they would happily put themselves forward for another vaccine if summoned.

Patrick Mead said: “I am not bothering – Covid has mutated to the point where it is about as dangerous as a bad cold and each mutation weakens it further.”

Clair Prentice, who has lost her patience with the need for more vaccines, says she has already had three vaccines but will not be having any future jabs.

She said: “I am done. I have had three vaccines and then I got Covid and I am still coughing and it has degraded my asthma.

“I do not feel any further vaccines would do too much now, my body has some response too it – I would rather let my body learn now how to cope with it.”

Kayleigh Denton, on the other hand, said she would happily accept the chance to have an additional booster shot.

She said: “I’ve had three so far and been absolutely fine with them, I also haven’t caught Covid again despite being exposed due to friends and family with it.

“I believe the vaccines are making some difference but if anyone doesn’t agree that the vaccines are working, or is just against them, that is their right - I respect that.”

Gazette:

Lindsay Pulley also said she would not hesitate in receiving further coronavirus vaccinations if it meant mitigating the chance of another health crisis.

She said: “I’ll be there when I’m called - just as we need our annual flu jab to stay ahead of the influenza virus, we will need to keep having our Covid vaccine.

“It’s the only way to prevent another Covid pandemic - complacency is the virus’ friend.”

Since the start of the pandemic, 490 people in Colchester have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, compared to 796 in Tendring.

Across both areas more than 746,000 vaccinations have been administered.