One jab is half a job – why Hadleigh men should get second vaccination

Men aged between 20 and 49 are being urged by health bosses to 'finish the job' and get their second COVID vaccination, as figures showed they lag some way behind women in the same age group.

Analysis from public health at Suffolk County Council shows that in the 20-49 age groups, 75% of eligible females have had their first vaccine dose and 42% have also had their second dose. But in the same age range, 66% of eligible males have had their first vaccine dose and just 27% have had their second.

The Hadleigh area has one of the highest number of Covid cases in Suffolk and earlier this year was highlighted as place needing extra precautions.

The figures come as Suffolk Resilience Forum unveiled a new video promoting the message 'One Jab Is Half A Job' to promote the importance of everyone getting fully vaccinated.

Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health for Suffolk, said: "One Jab Is Half a Job is a really important message.

"We know that after one vaccination you have about 33% protection but that it is more than 80% if you have your second, so it's really important for protecting yourself and other people.

"We make the comparison that you would not do half a job in everyday things such as washing the car or having a shave, so why skimp on getting vaccinated properly?

"We know there is a difference between the proportion of men aged 20 to 49 getting their first and second jabs compared to women. The gap is especially wide for that second jab, which is something we are keen to change."

Mr Keeble said there could be many reasons why more women were having the second vaccine than men, with one example being that more women work in the health and care services so they may have had both their vaccines as part of their job.

"The most important thing is that whatever your gender if you've made the effort to get your first jab, go and have the second because it will provide you with the optimum level of protection," he said.

'One Jab Is Half A Job' can be viewed on the Suffolk County Council YouTube page, as shown above.

To book a vaccination go to the Suffolk and North East Essex Care Group website or call NHS 119.