Act now and protect yourself from Covid-19.

A lot of work has gone into bringing the Covid-19 vaccines to our local communities, and myself and my colleagues have already given around 60,000 people in Barking and Dagenham a first dose.

However, there’s more work to do and the sooner we’re all vaccinated, the sooner we can protect ourselves and our families, and get back to normal.

That’s why I want to reassure everyone who’s currently eligible that it’s not too late to get your jab. I particularly want to urge people aged over 70 to book an appointment, as the vaccine is essential in helping to protect you from serious illness and medical complications.

You can book your appointment by calling your GP practice or 119, or visiting nhs.uk/covidvaccination

Barking and Dagenham Post: Dr Jagan John, North East London Clinical Commissioning Group chair and clinical chair for Barking and Dagenham, urges everyone to get their Covid vaccineDr Jagan John, North East London Clinical Commissioning Group chair and clinical chair for Barking and Dagenham, urges everyone to get their Covid vaccine (Image: Mark Sepple)

We’re also inviting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, a carer or aged over 50 to book their vaccination appointment when contacted by the NHS or local council.

We’ve also started giving out second doses of the vaccine – please book an appointment when asked as it’s so important to give you maximum immunity.

Finally, I want to reassure you that our Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

All the regulatory and professional bodies we rely on to inform our work advise that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not linked to a higher risk of blood clots and that everyone who is eligible should get a jab.

You can find more information about the vaccine, including videos in different languages, at eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk/ourplans/covid-19-vaccination-programme.htm