KEIGHLEY and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has urged people who have received their first dose of the Covid vaccine to make sure they receive their second dose.

This plea comes following news that a small number of people have refused the second dose of the Covid vaccine due to feeling that “they have sufficient immunity from their first dose”.

Whilst the first dose of any of the Covid vaccines does provide some level of protection against the virus, it is strongly recommended that both doses are administered to ensure maximum levels of protection.

Robbie Moore said: “The only way in which we will get past this dark time in our countries history is to ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated against Covid 19. That means having both doses of the vaccine. Whilst one dose may provide you with some protection against Covid 19, it will not leave you with the same levels of protection as having two doses would. Also the effects of the vaccine would not last for as long if only one dose is given.

“The NHS, Department for Health and Social Care, as well as the many volunteers who have selflessly given up their time have done an outstanding job with rolling out the vaccine programme at such speed. We’ve administered over 44.4 million doses of the vaccine to over 33 million people. Let’s keep this momentum up so we can continue to release lockdown restrictions and return life to some form of normality.”

Dr Brendan Kennedy, Exec partner at AWC Modality said: “We would urge everyone who has had a first dose of vaccine to make sure they attend for their second vaccine- it’s really important to make sure everyone is fully protected and we can keep our friends and family safe.

“Please don’t ring us our phone lines are very busy but contact via the email if you want to book second vaccination but we will be endeavouring to contact you. Please use the awcmodality.covid@nhs.net email address.”