Funding to tackle low vaccine take-up

Councils are to get £22.5 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to encourage people to come forward and get vaccinated.

The funding will focus on areas with low vaccine uptake and encourage hard-to-reach groups to come forward for a jab.

The Community Vaccines Champion scheme will also support 60 councils with the lowest vaccine uptake. 

The scheme will tap into local networks to provide advice about COVID-19 and the vaccines, while champions will work with councils to identify barriers to accessing accurate information and provide tailored support. 

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils continue to do all they can to keep their communities safe, while encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, and this extra funding will be helpful in persuading more people to come forward.

“Rising Omicron cases mean that COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat and it is vital we all continue to do everything possible to protect ourselves and each other.

“Councils know their communities best and play an essential role in working to reach people and groups who might be hesitant or least likely to come forward for a vaccine.

“Getting our booster jabs will help minimise the spread and prevent the NHS from coming under unsustainable pressure.

“Directors of public health, working in councils, also need the necessary support, long-term resources and proper joint planning and agreement in advance of what is needed, to respond effectively to local outbreaks, ramp up local contact-tracing efforts and increase vaccination uptake.”

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