A WALK-IN Covid jab clinic is to be held at Farnham Hospital this Saturday for anyone aged 18 years or over yet to receive their first vaccination.

Almost 40 per cent of 18 to 30 year olds in the Farnham area – around 2,600 people – are yet to book a jab despite multiple invitations.

And amid the growing threat of the Delta variant and the easing of lockdown restrictions on July 19, doctors are keen to increase this number – and quickly.

As such, anyone in the 18 to 30 age group can drop in to the Farnham Hospital vaccine clinic from 9am to midday on July 10, without the need to book in advance.

There has been a noticeable drop-off in take-up of the Covid jab as Farnham’s vaccination team has worked through the age groups.

More than 95 per cent of the town’s over-65s have been vaccinated, more than 90 per cent of those aged 50 to 64, and 87 per cent of those aged 40 to 49.

But the figures then tail off, with 75 per cent of 30 to 39 year olds, and just 61 per cent of those aged 18 to 29, receiving at least one dose.

This is despite great efforts by staff at Farnham’s GP surgeries and the national booking service to call people in for their vaccines.

Dr Ed Wernick, the GP leading Farnham’s Covid response, has underlined the need for people to take “personal responsibility” after the ending of Covid restrictions on July 19.

And that starts with people ensuring they take up their invite of the Covid vaccine, says Dr Ed Wernick.

“There’s still a lot of people who, unfortunately, aren’t vaccinated in the lower age groups,” the GP said.

“It’s right that people should have the choice, but it is frustrating we are not seeing the same uptake. We are working with the university and trying to reach people through social media. We need to keep the conversation moving.

“Yes, infection rates are doubling every seven days and hospital admissions are rising – but they’re not following the same trajectory as last year, because the vaccination programme is working.

“The Delta variant is more contagious and affects younger people, so the Covid threat is very real, long-Covid is very real and a third lockdown could be around the corner if we see further variants.

“As legislation eases, personal behaviours are ever more important.”

Continuing, he said: "As we move out of legal Covid restrictions, we really, really need to get everybody vaccinated, because ultimately it’s the vaccine and personal behaviour that is going to save lives and keep us from going into another lockdown.

“So please come and get vaccinated – for yourself, your loved ones and others in the community. We hope to see you on Saturday!”