As the number of people in the UK who have received the first dose of the vaccination approached six million, Wirral Council is set to receive £375,000 to boost take up even further.
The cash is part of a further £23 million funding that has been allocated to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19 and boost vaccine take up.
Today’s funding is specifically targeted at areas with plans to reach groups such as older people and disabled people who, according to the latest evidence, are more likely to suffer long-term impacts and poor outcomes from COVID-19.
The funding will also support work to tackle misinformation and encourage take-up as the vaccination programme expands across the country.
Councillor Ian Lewis (Conservative, Wallasey Ward) said: “So far, Wirral Council has received more than £180 million to support families, protect jobs and support services. This further grant means that nobody in our Borough should be left behind when it comes to having accurate and up to date information about COVID-19. False information, or a lack of information, about COVID-19 vaccines could cost lives.
“Not everyone is online and sometimes a phone call from trusted local organisations will be the difference in helping people to attend for their vaccination.”
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi added: “We want all communities to take up the offer of a free vaccine and I have been working closely with faith and community leaders to ensure those who may be at higher risk of harm from this virus know how they can benefit from a vaccine.”
