Dr Nigel Sturrock, Regional Medical Director of NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands

People in the Midlands are being urged to attend their appointments for their second dose of the life-saving COVID-19 vaccination. Dr Nigel Sturrock, the Regional Medical Director of NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, has issued the plea to ensure that everyone eligible has maximum protection from the dangers of COVID-19.

Almost 900,000 people in the West Midlands and more than 660,000 people in the East Midlands are now fully vaccinated having received the second part of their vaccination.

Dr Nigel Sturrock, the Regional Medical Director of NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said:
“Vaccinations offer the best protection against coronavirus and are hugely important in helping us to lead a more normal life as restrictions begin to ease. The most effective protection comes from having both parts of the vaccine, so please do attend your appointment for your second jab.

“We know protection lasts for much longer with both doses. The vaccines have been through extensive testing and are safe, but one dose won’t give you full protection. People only have maximum protection if they have both parts of the vaccination.

“Recent evidence shows that some people are mistakenly thinking that they are vaccinated with just one dose, but a second jab is vital. The most effective protection comes from having both parts of the vaccine, so please don’t be put off attending your second jab appointment if you have already had your first.

“Anyone who has had their vaccination in late January or in early February will be due for the second part of their vaccination which has been allocated to them. I would urge everyone to attend their appointment and if they don’t have one to contact their GP Practice.

“People who received their first dose in a hospital hub or through a GP service will be contacted to receive their second dose. They do not need to contact the NHS. Anyone who booked their appointment through the national booking service (online at http://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by ringing 119) will have booked both their first and second appointments at the same time. People who called 119 will have been given details of their second appointment over the phone.

“The second dose gives everyone the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, so it’s vital people take up this offer as soon as they are invited.”