The Chairman and staff of Warwick District Council have praised the local coronavirus vaccination programme after receiving their first doses.

Councillor Martyn Ashford got his jab at the Heathcote Rehabilitation Hospital in Warwick and was impressed by the efficient and welcoming service he received.

Councillor Ashford said: "I was very encouraged by the numbers who were attending, many of whom will not have left their homes for many months. There were smiles on people's faces and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Following my vaccination, I felt fine and after a very difficult year it was a relief to be able to look forward to the possibility of meeting friends and family."

Across the district progress is being made with the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, with many in the highest priority groups having already received their first dose.

In Kenilworth it was announced today that residents aged 65-69 years-old would begin to receive their first doses within the next fortnight.

Amongst those who have also received their first does are the council's Acting Community Partnership Team Managers, Bernadette Allen and Marcia Watson (a member of the Afro-Caribbean Community Association in Leamington).

Bernadette said; "For almost 12 months I have been working part of a team supporting the most vulnerable in our community who have been asked to shield at home. Ironically I have been classified as clinically extremely vulnerable so I understand the challenges this group has faced.

"Having read and listened to all the information available on the vaccination programme there was no doubt in my mind that when I was given the opportunity to have my jab that l would take it.

"I received communication from my GP Surgery on 26 January providing clear instructions on how to make an appointment and I booked it for the very next day. The whole process was delivered in a safe and friendly way and it was good to see a number of young people volunteering to help. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to go ahead and get their vaccine when offered, it has given me great peace of mind."

Councillor Mini Mangat, who is Chair of the council's Race Equality Group added: "In my current role, I come into contact with a wide range of communities within the district. Although we know that the vast majority of people are taking up the offer of a free vaccine, we are aware that uptake within the Black Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities is low, be it on the back of anti-vax misinformation circulating on social media or lack of access to accurate information.

"As evidence shows, people within the Black Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, I would encourage everyone to receive the safe vaccine when it is offered. When it is my turn, I will definitely be taking mine."

In recent days the council has been made aware of a number of scams relating to the vaccine, which are being sent by email to local residents purporting to be from the NHS, with some soliciting for money and others phishing for personal information.

Councillor Ashford added: "Scammers are using the Covid-19 vaccine rollout as a way of targeting and defrauding residents. The COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination. I urge local people to be vigilant, the NHS will never ask for your bank details or personal details such as driving licences or passports."

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