Grab a jab and reduce your risk of Covid-19

Residents are being urged to grab their Covid-19 jab to reduce the risk they face from the potentially deadly virus.

A recent study by Oxford University, using findings from 29 million people who have been vaccinated, found that although there is an increased risk of someone having a blood clot after having a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the same risk is 200 times greater for someone who is infected with Covid-19. 

The research also found that, while the risk of having a stroke is increased after the Pfizer vaccine, this risk is 12 times higher if someone were to catch Covid-19. 

Julia Hippisley-Cox, professor of clinical epidemiology and general practice at the University of Oxford and lead author of the paper, said: "People should be aware of these increased risks after Covid-19 vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms, but also be aware that the risks are considerably higher and over longer periods of time if they become infected with Covid-19."  

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This study clearly shows that the risks of blood clots or strokes are much higher from Covid than they are from the vaccines themselves, and demonstrates the importance of getting vaccinated to reduce these risks. 

“Infection rates are still increasing in Wolverhampton, so I would encourage anyone aged 16 or over who has not yet had their jab to come forward and get it as soon as they can.” 

Anyone over the age of 16 who has not yet had their Covid-19 vaccine can do so at walk-in clinics open across Wolverhampton again this week. 

There are 22 clinics between today (Wednesday 1) and Sunday 5 September. All offer first and second doses for anyone over 18, and most have single doses for people aged 16 & 17 too. Pfizer vaccines are available at all of the clinics, and many also have AstraZeneca. Full details of this week’s clinics, including ages, times and vaccine types can be found at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/localvaccine  

Cllr Jaspal added: “Walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are open right across the city, so it’s easy to get a jab. Most are open to anyone over 16, so if you’re eligible and haven’t had your first dose yet, or are now due your second one, please do so as soon as you can.” 

The latest figures show that there were 380.5 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last seven days. That means 1,001 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.