Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 16th December print edition.
One of my favourite things about this time of year is hearing all the Christmas songs on the radio. Whether it be a new instant hit or one of the classics, we all have a favourite and one that gets us into the festive spirit.
The Christmas song which constantly tops every list of most downloaded, streamed or nation’s favourite is All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey.
This year, I am sure all we want for Christmas is a close to normal Christmas as possible. And all the Prime Minister is urging us to all do is get the booster jab with the national mission to offer every eligible adult their booster before the New Year.
As the Prime Minister said in his televised message on Sunday, we are now facing an emergency in our battle with the Omicron variant, which is doubling every two to three days in England, and we must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection to keep our friends and loved ones safe.
Early analysis of Omicron cases shows that two vaccines alone are less effective at stopping the new variant, but a third booster prevents around 75 per cent of people getting any symptoms.
That is why, the Government has launched the Omicron Emergency Boost, a national mission to offer every eligible adult their booster before the New Year. As part of the nation-wide effort, the Government is deploying 42 military planning teams across the UK to set up additional vaccine sites and vaccination clinics will extend their opening hours.
To book an appointment please visit nhs.uk/covid vaccination or call 119. If appointments aren’t available nearby, or at a time suitable, it’s worth continuing to check as the booking system is regularly updated. There are also a number of pop-up walk-in centres across the Borough with the next one taking place tomorrow (Friday (17th December) between 1:30pm - 5:30pm at Burton Fire Station. Anyone above the age of 16 can get a vaccine and those that are 18+ and eligible will be able to get a booster.
Everyone should Get Boosted Now to protect yourself, your friends and your family, as well as our NHS, our freedoms and our way of life. Get Boosted Now.
