More than 500 people came forward for their first COVID-19 vaccine in the first week of January in north Cumbria, the NHS said.
There were also 1,188 second vaccines administered that week, and the total number of vaccines delivered across north Cumbria now stands at 696,977.
The NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group added that 7,394 boosters were also delivered last week.
A spokesman said: “The offer of the vaccine doesn’t expire, even if you have turned it down in the past. You can book through www.nhs.uk or go along to a walk-in.
“You don’t have to be registered with a GP, show any immigration status, explain why you haven’t had the vaccine previously – you will be made very welcome.”
Helena Gregory, lead pharmacist for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Whatever your reasons for getting your vaccine now – we will be happy to see you and have a chat about what’s best for you.
“Or, if you had your first dose a long time ago and weren’t sure about coming back for your second, you can get it at any time to protect yourself.
“Our teams are very used to having those individual clinical conversations and you can book or walk-in and ask to talk any issues through that might be on your mind.”
Everyone aged over 18 is eligible for three jabs
- You can have your second jab eight weeks after your first
- You can have your booster three months (91 days) after your second
- You must be 28 days clear of a COVID infection
Everyone aged between 12 and 17 is eligible for two jabs
- Your second jab should be 12 weeks after your first
- Not all walk-ins can see 12-15 year olds, so it is better to book
The latest figures up to January 12 show:
89.4 per cent over over-12s have had their first vaccine
84.3 per cent of over-12s have had their second vaccine
68.6 per cent of over-12s have had their booster (12 to 18-year-olds aren’t eligible for a booster)
Helena added: “We are still encouraging people to come forward for their boosters too.
“The vaccine is doing a brilliant job to reduce both the number of cases, and the severity of COVID in the population. The more protection you have, the less likely you are to get COVID and pass it on, and the less likely you are to become severely ill if you do develop COVID.
“This is really important for people who are vulnerable – you may have friends or family members who are receiving treatment for cancer, people living with long term conditions or those with other illnesses who will be more protected if people around them are vaccinated. And being vaccinated helps you reduce your own chances of developing severe or long COVID.”
Public health teams from Cumbria County Council are telephoning everyone who hasn’t yet taken up the offer of the vaccine to offer support to those who may face challenges accessing the vaccine.
Walk-in sessions in north Cumbria:
- Carlisle St Paul’s Church: Every Tuesday and Thursdays (and Wednesday 19th) 9-6 and every Saturday 9-5.30
- Carlisle – Harraby Community Campus: 16, 21, 28 Jan – 9-5
- Kirkby Stephen – Green Tree Pharmacy – 16 Jan 2-3.30pm
- Penrith – Newton Rigg campus – 14 Jan 8-2, and 16 Jan – 9-3, and 19 Jan – 12-6
- Penrith Rugby Club: 14, 24 and 31 Jan – 9-5
- Seascale Pharmacy: 14,17,19 Jan – 10-1
- Some of the other pharmacies may accept walk-ins – the list can be seen here :https://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/covidvaccine
