Cumbria's Director of Public Health has urged those who will be eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine aged 25 to 29 to receive their first doses.

It was announced by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock that people aged 25 to 29 in England will be able to book their vaccination appointments from this week.

Following the news, Colin Cox has encouraged people to sign up for a jab as soon as they are able to.

“I would absolutely urge everyone who is in that age group to now book on and get their vaccines as soon as they can,” he said.

“It’s really important not just to protect yourself by getting the vaccine but we must also keep in mind that, by getting as many people vaccinated as possible, this will help to stop the virus from circulating through the community. It protects yourself and protects others.”

Mr Cox did assert that the need for people to get vaccinated is even more pertinent given the emergence of strains such as the Delta variant.

It comes after Mr Hancock revealed the Delta variant was about 40 per cent more transmissible than even the Kent – now Alpha – variant that spread last winter.

Mr Cox added: “The vaccination has been shown to be effective against the Delta variant, which is now the dominant strain in the country.

"I’d particularly like to mention that it is important that you get two doses of the vaccine to ensure the maximum effectiveness against the Delta variant.

"Certainly, in terms of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, which young people will be offered, it has been shown to be effective against the Delta variant after two doses.”

Mr Cox warned that even those who have been vaccinated should ensure they play their part in keeping the virus under control.

“It is crucial that we try to keep the transmission of the Delta variant down as it is more transmissible.

"There is a potential for it to impact people who have been vaccinated but the vaccines are effective in terms of stopping you having serious effects from Covid-19 itself.

"That said, it is still possible to transmit it and clearly if that spreads to older, more vulnerable members of the community, that will potentially be dangerous.”