26/07/2021

Young People Urged To Get Vaccinated To Ease Pressure On Health Services

The DUP has said that the increasing pressure on the Health Service demonstrates the need for young people to ensure they take up the offer of Covid vaccination.

Speaking today DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Health Spokesperson Pam Cameron, said: "Numbers of people hospitalised through Covid-19 have been increasing over recent days, and this will have an impact on other health services. Due to these pressures, there will be a downturn in elective care in the Belfast Trust from Monday. There has also been a call put out to off-duty nursing staff to work this evening because of pressures at the Royal and Mater hospitals.

"Across the UK there has been an increase in the numbers of younger people contracting Covid-19. Whilst we have hit another significant milestone locally with over 1 million people now fully vaccinated, we lag behind other areas of the UK in terms of our younger population.

"In Scotland around 30% of under 30s are not yet vaccinated whilst in England that figure rises to 34%. In Northern Ireland however that figure rises to just over 42%. Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself but is also vital to protect our NHS and to safeguard the relaxations we have been able to introduce.

"The vaccine is not just safe but is highly effective in reducing the impact of Covid infections. It is therefore key to fully reaching the goal of beating Covid-19. Young people have been hugely affected by the impact of Covid restrictions but can now play a significant role in moving forward out of the pandemic. It is vital that everyone who is eligible for vaccination takes up that offer."

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