All adults in parts of Reading are being urged to get a Covid-19 vaccine, with vaccines now on offer to all over-18s in certain postcodes.
The council and the NHS are boosting the local vaccination programme with a targeted vaccination clinic at the Reading Borough Council (RBC) Civic Offices from Thursday June 17 to Sunday June 27.
This in response to an increase in Covid-19 infections and cases of the 'Delta' variant first identified in India.
READ MORE: Vaccinations expanded to all young adults in Wokingham
The programme is for people who live, work or study in postcode areas RG1 3**, RG1 5**, RG1 6** and RG1 7** who have not yet had any doses of the vaccine.
These are all RG1 postcodes.
RBC leader councillor Jason Brock said: “The best way to protect yourself, your family and friends is to get vaccinated.
“We know people who are not vaccinated are more at risk of becoming very unwell if they contract the Delta variant so this really is the best way to protect yourself and others.
“This is about doing the right thing for Reading and protecting yourself, your loved ones, your neighbours and your local community - the more people who are vaccinated in the town the more we suppress the virus, stop transmission and protect each other.”
The vaccine offer is in addition to extra testing which began last week.
A Covid-19 vaccine will protect you as well as minimising the spread of infection.
The clinic is open from 9.30am to 8.30pm, seven days a week. You do not need an appointment.
You should bring a mask with you to wear in the building and if possible ID and proof that you live, work or study in one of the four postcode areas.
You may need to queue outside and should come prepared depending on the weather, for example with water, sun cream, a hat, an umbrella, etc.
There is no car parking on-site. You can travel to the vaccine clinic on foot or by public transport. The closest public car park is The Oracle Shopping Centre.
The vaccine administered at the clinic is suitable for people under 40 and pregnant women.
Sanjay Desai, Deputy Director, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Incident Control Centre, Associate Director of Medicines Optimisation, said: "We know that people who have not been vaccinated are more likely to become ill or even be hospitalised as a result of contracting the Delta variant of COVID.
“The Delta variant is spreading in Reading and that's why we're offering this extra vaccination programme - to ensure people in the most affected areas can be better protected.
“So if you are 18 or over, have not had any doses of a COVID vaccine and you live, work or study in postcode areas RG1 3**, RG1 5**, RG1 6** or RG1 7**, please do come forward for your vaccination.
"This will help to reduce the spread of the infection and move us in the right direction to getting life back to some normality."
READ MORE: The FIVE neighbourhoods in Reading where cases are on the rise
If you have any questions about taking the vaccine or your personal medical circumstances, talk to your GP.
There is more information about the vaccination programme on the NHS website.
People aged 21 and over can also to book a vaccine at a mass vaccination site through the NHS website.
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