FESTIVAL-GOERS URGED TO GET COVID JABS

Festival-goers in Bedford will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date this weekend (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July) as the local NHS jabs team visits Bedford River Festival.

Among the parades, races, demonstrations and live entertainment, there will be an opportunity for anyone aged 12 or over, who hasn’t had all of their recommended COVID vaccinations, to get one.

New figures from the Office of National Statistics report that almost 3.5 million people had COVID-19 during the week ending 6 July, an increase of around 800,000 from the previous week.

Geraint Davies, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme from NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“With COVID rates rising rapidly across the country, including in the local area, it’s vital that everyone makes sure their COVID vaccination status is up to date.  There are opportunities to do so all over Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, but why not come and see our friendly, professional staff at the River Festival?”

Vicky Head, Director of Public Health for Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes, said:

“COVID-19 is still with us and rates are high again across the UK.  Although many vaccinated people may now experience milder COVID symptoms, this is still an infection that can cause severe illness in those who are vulnerable or unvaccinated.  The best way to protect ourselves and the people we love is to make sure we receive all of our vaccinations.”

The vaccination van will be located between the Suspension Bridge and the Butterfly Bridge, near the Radhuni restaurant, and will be open between 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm on both days.

For further information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, visit: http://bit.ly/BLMKdrop-in.