On course for all Melton over 18s to get a Covid jab by end of July

Around 60 per cent of the Melton borough’s residents have already received their first dose, including the vast majority of people aged over 50.

The focus has now switched to those aged 45 and over with older people deemed more vulnerable to being ill with the virus.

Dr Fahreen Dhanji, clinical director for the Melton, Syston and Vale Primary Care Network and a GP at the town’s Latham House Medical practice, told the Melton Times: “We are committed to ensuring every adult in the borough will be invited for their vaccine and we will continue to work to the Government guidance on vaccine supply.

“The vaccination programme is going well and this is largely down to the work of the team and volunteers working at the centre.

“It’s a complex process due to the supply chain and demand so we are incredibly proud of the vaccination figures to date and public support has been overwhelming.

“We would like thank everyone who has supported the vaccination programme so far, it simply wouldn’t be possible without the support, time and dedication of everyone involved.”

There has been some concern recently over the safety of having the AstraZeneca vaccine, with a very small number of people developing blood clots.

Staff at the Melton vaccination centre have been explaining to people that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh any risks but that the MHRA advises careful consideration be given to people who are at higher risk of specific types of blood clots because of their medical condition.

Dr Dhanji explained: “Mild side effects to any vaccination can be quite normal and can include symptoms such as a sore arm, feeling tired, headache, general aches or flu-like symptoms and they can vary from person to person or not manifest at all in others.

“These symptoms can be treated very effectively with over-the-counter products from the local pharmacy and are nothing for people to worry about.”