Councillor Martyn Ashford got his jab at the Heathcote Rehabilitation Hospital in Warwick and was impressed by the efficient and welcoming service he received;

Councillor Ashford commented;

“I was very encouraged by the numbers who were attending, many of whom will not have left their homes for many months. There were smiles on people’s faces and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Following my vaccination, I felt fine and after a very difficult year it was a relief to be able to look forward to the possibility of meeting friends and family.”

Across the District good progress is being made with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, with many in the highest priority groups having already received their first dose. Amongst these are the Council’s Acting Community Partnership Team Manager, Bernadette Allen and Marcia Watson who is a member of the Afro-Caribbean Community Association in Leamington;

Bernadette said; “For almost 12 months I have been working part of a team supporting the most vulnerable in our community who have been asked to shield at home. Ironically I have been classified as clinically extremely vulnerable so I understand the challenges this group has faced. Having read and listened to all the information available on the vaccination programme there was no doubt in my mind that when I was given the opportunity to have my jab that l would take it.

"I received communication from my GP Surgery on 26 January providing clear instructions on how to make an appointment and I booked it for the very next day. The whole process was delivered in a safe and friendly way and it was good to see a number of young people volunteering to help. I whole- heartedly encourage anyone to go ahead and get their vaccine when offered, it has given me great peace of mind.”

Marcia said; “On 29 January I received a text message inviting me to book my COVID-19 vaccination. I had been reluctant to even think about having the vaccine because, like many members of the West Indian community, I was brought up to only take medication when absolutely necessary.  

"I glanced up from reading the message and saw my youngest son looking at me. I explained what the text said and at that point all doubt disappeared. I have two grown up sons and two grandsons and I knew that my reservations were insignificant when compared the risks of dying from the virus and no longer being part of their lives.

"The process was very simple, I simply clicked to book my appointment. On arrival at the centre, I was met by a lovely young lady who introduced me to the nurse who would be doing the vaccination. I sat down, answered a few questions and was given a pain free injection. I have had no side effects, not even a sore arm. 

"The biggest thing is that I have now taken the first steps to protecting myself, my family, my friends and others that I care about. It is definitely a good feeling.”

Councillor Mini Mangat, who is Chair of the Council’s Race Equality Group added; “In my current role, I come into a contact with a wide range of communities within the District. Although we know that the vast majority of people are taking up the offer of a free vaccine, we are aware that uptake within the Black Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities is low, be it on the back of anti-vax misinformation circulating on social media or lack of access to accurate information.

"As evidence shows, people within the Black Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, I would encourage everyone to receive the safe vaccine when it is offered. When it is my turn, I will definitely be taking mine.”

Sadly, in recent days the Council has been made aware of a number of scams relating to the vaccine, which are being sent by email to local residents purporting to be from the NHS, with some soliciting for money and others phishing for personal information.

Councillor Ashford added; “Scammers are using the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as a way of targeting and defrauding residents. The COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination. I urge local people to be vigilant, the NHS will never ask for your bank details or personal details such as driving licences or passports."

To find out more about the vaccination programme roll out please visit the Public Health England website. This information is available in several languages including Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Polish, Spanish and Urdu.