'Others in the younger age bracket have been experiencing difficulties in getting their jabs'

MP for Ellesmere Port

WE ARE fast approaching the pandemic milestone date of June 21, but the big question is whether all Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted in England at that time? It would appear we are back to the Government’s old mantra – allegedly at least – that decision-making by Ministers is being governed by the data, not the dates.

Notwithstanding that fresh health concerns being raised by a number of health professionals, there is considerable pressure on the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to keep to June 21 for the removal of all legal limits on social contact to enable, for example, restrictions to be lifted on performances, weddings and other live events and for nightclubs to reopen. Of course, we would all like to go back to ‘normal’, whatever that means in reality after nearly 18 months of pandemic restrictions. Millions of citizens have now had at least one jab and many people have been inoculated twice, so that is greatly encouraging and a confidence booster for all of us but alarm bells are ringing in some parts of the North West. Indeed not far away in the borough of Cheshire West every resident of the mid-Cheshire towns of Northwich and Winsford is being advised to book a PCR test as public health officials have identified a large increase in Covid-19 cases there. Deaths as a result of Covid-19 have thankfully reduced significantly, as have hospital admissions in many parts of the country, but there are worries that the Delta variant first seen in India is about 40 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha (Kent) strain so the need for as many people to be vaccinated as soon as possible remains.

Although a great many of my constituents in the most vulnerable categories have received their jabs and have been impressed by the efficiency of the excellent service provided by NHS staff and volunteers, others in the younger age bracket have been experiencing difficulties in getting their jabs and are being required to travel considerable distances in search of first inoculations. I wrote to the NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to highlight vaccination problems in and around Ellesmere Port and Neston. The reply came back that the CCG was constrained by the availability of vaccines through the national supply chain ‘which is beyond out direct control’. Hopefully the situation will improve soon and I would urge those who are not able to travel to receive their first jab to keep trying for a local appointment.

On a more positive note, a roving vaccination clinic is beginning to visits sites in Cheshire West this week with the aim of providing a jab to anyone over 40 who has missed their turn so far. This week it will be sited in the Church Parade car park in Westminster, Ellesmere Port, between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, June 10. You will need to take along your NHS number, date of birth, address, email and phone number. Those receiving their first vaccine at the clinic will receive details of their second dose appointments at that time. All the evidence shows that the vaccines are working well so I encourage as many residents as possible to take advantage of them as soon as they become available.