More borough residents to be asked to shield and be given priority for vaccination
The government has announced that based on a new Covid-risk factors modelling tool (that includes a number of factors, such as ethnicity, age, underlying medical conditions and others), more people in England have been identified at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from Covid-19.
As a result, an additional 2,359 Telford and Wrekin residents who fall in this clinically extremely vulnerable group have been identified.
These residents will receive a letter from the government with the advice to shield and stay at home until 31 March (even if they had already received both vaccination doses).
All other clinically extremely vulnerable residents will also be receiving their letter from the government, with advice to continue shielding until 31 March.
Council leader Cllr Shaun Davies said:
“We welcome the news that more Covid-19 higher-risk adults have been nationally identified. It means more residents in our borough from this group will now benefit from additional support and most importantly, will be in the high priority category for vaccination.
“As we have done previously for the Covid-19 clinically extremely vulnerable group, the council will also contact those newly identified to let them know about the support available from us and our partners – including help with shopping and collecting medication for those without family and friends to support and advice on staying well and possible financial support.
"Our Community Support Line has operated all through the pandemic and is there to help people who may need it.
“We will also encourage this additional group, as well as anyone clinically extremely vulnerable, to take up their priority slots for vaccination when they are being contacted – it’s their best protection against this virus and can save lives.”
