“We can eradicate this virus” – Walk-in Salford Covid-19 vaccination appointments begin

Salford residents over the age of 40 are now able to secure their first Covid vaccination jab via a walk-in appointment.

Residents are being urged to trust the scientists and get vaccinated as the rollout gathers pace amid some concerns, particularly on social media, which have reduced take-up across Greater Manchester.

Biomedical scientist and Salford University lecturer Dr Athar Aziz said: “The biggest advantage of having a vaccine is that we can eradicate this virus.

“A vaccinated population means that even if this virus exists, our immune system and antibodies can fight against it, so we will not have as many people getting so severely ill.”

While the vaccine has boosted the confidence of some people, many are doubtful of its full effect as well as the concerns surrounding risks it may cause to our health.

Dr Aziz explained: “People have spent their lives developing these vaccines, and they are not against humanity, they are working for humanity. There are higher chances of getting blood clots on long-haul flights than with the AstraZeneca vaccine, yet we don’t prohibit long-haul flights.”

As we begin to return to some form of normality in the build-up to June 21, many people have been experiencing Covid anxiety and are fearful of returning to life as we used to know it.

Dr Aziz said: “We are actually kind of not used to this anymore, our mental capacity is changing. We are more isolated but at the end of the day we are social animals and we can’t live without other human contact. We can not live for long in isolation. With things changing it is going to change the mood in general society.

“The opening of shops, cafeterias and indoor things brings a small chance of a third wave, but if most of the population, lets say 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated the chances that we will past this infection around are very little.

“Like a common flu, this will eventually become like a common flu where we can vaccinate fir a new variant every year, particularly our vulnerable population and then we can get rid of that. Or at least for most of the population it should be safe.”

For more information on the Salford Covid-19 vaccination effort, follow this link.