COVID Doesn’t Care About Dates So Let’s Ramp Up Our Protection with Second Jabs

15th July 2021

COVID doesn’t care about dates and deadlines, so it’s vital that everyone has their second vaccination, say health bosses at NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Dr Cath Briggs, Chair of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “So far, we’ve done so well with our first jabs but we really do need an extra collective push on our second ones. So we encourage everyone in Stockport to do their bit by booking in for the second jab, which can now be done as soon as 8 weeks after their first dose.

“Some people may wonder whether they need the second vaccination when they have already had the first one and the answer is yes – absolutely. The first dose offers good levels of protection, but it’s the second dose that ramps it up to maximum protection, not just for the individual but for everyone else in the wider community.

“This means that, as more and more people have their second dose the broader and better that protection around us. It also means that people who have had the second jab are less likely to get serious COVID with symptoms, or be admitted to hospital.”

In partnership with Stockport Council, Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has organised a number of venues and pop-ups across Stockport to help fit the second jab into busy lives and schedules. The dates for July and August can be found on this link: http://www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-vaccination-options/.

Stockport CCG website, http://www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-vaccination-options/, is an easy way to find the right booking link or people can use the national booking website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

The links provide people with the information they need to find convenient venues across Stockport, which include some community pharmacies and venues throughout July and August. Stockport’s nearest large-scale vaccination site is the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Jennifer Connolly, Director, Public Health Stockport, said: “While it might be understandable to worry, there are no safety concerns with the second dose. The vaccine was developed as two separate doses and the clinical trials show that this provides the greatest protection to fight off the virus.

“Public Health England says that the maximum protection only kicks in with the second dose. Getting the two vaccination doses means that we can all keep ourselves safe but also keep our loved ones, friends and community safe – it’s now critical we pull together as one community to secure Stockport’s levels of protection.”

Questions about the vaccination programme can be found on the website here or, email STOCCG.Pxenquiries@nhs.net. with any vaccine specific queries. The Vaccine helpline team can answer if you leave a message on 0161 426 9910, and they will call you back during normal office hours.

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