Illustration by John Sadler www.johnsadlerillustration.com 

• THE low level of Covid-19 vaccination in Islington should now be a matter of real concern for all residents as the lockdown programme ends.

The published figures (to July 12) for those aged 18 and over who have had one jab are only 59.9 per cent in Islington compared with the UK figure of 87.3. For two jabs the figures are 36.0 in Islington and 66.4 for the UK.

This very low uptake in Islington suggests protection against Covid-19 is far too low for safety and the reported Covid-19 infection rate is, unsurprisingly, rising.

Originally it was thought that our much younger age profile in Islington would explain this divergence as vaccination availability was age related starting with the oldest first.

Now vaccinations are available for everybody over 18 so this can longer be the only reason for our low take-up rate.

I am assured that all the relevant bodies are doing everything they can to maximise vaccination uptake. So if the vaccination is system is working well, why is the uptake so low? Is it something about the people who live in Islington?

CHRIS BULFORD
College Cross, N1