Community engagement efforts have ramped up in Suffolk in a bid to get people jabbed amid rising Covid-19 cases – with the team set to expand to engaging in 15 languages in the next few weeks.

Ipswich has the third highest number of cases in England with 861 per 100,000 people, with Babergh, West Suffolk and Mid Suffolk all exceeding more than 500 cases per 100,000.

Public Health Suffolk's autumn and winter plan has highlighted a need to improve efforts in groups with low take-up, including ethnic minorities and young people.

It has ramped up community engagement efforts to encourage people to get their Covid-29 jabs – whether that it first or second doses, booster vaccinations or those for 12-15 year olds.

This includes a programme by Hadleigh Health centre where staff be delivering the covid vaccination boosters for those eligible at St Mary's Church in the town.

The first session, on the 30 October will be for patients aged 75 and over but the is to organise additional sessions in November.

Other vaccination and booster sessions are being organised across the county

A Public Health Suffolk spokeswoman said: "The community engagement team visit areas of low vaccine uptake on regular basis. We have one-to-one conversations with people in public places such as parks, shop parades, schools and answer any queries, provide advice and support.

"The team carry packs containing hand sanitisers, lateral flow test kits, face masks and information about testing, vaccination and isolation.

"We are targeting two cohorts: young people and seasonal and migrant workers.

"We can provide packs in different languages and the team is able to conduct engagement multi-lingually – we currently have nine languages embedded in the team and likely to grow to up 15 languages in the next few weeks."

In Ipswich, efforts have been prominent in Westgate, Chantry and old Stoke areas, with community events also among areas the team is attending.

It comes as visitor restrictions and wearing of facemasks are returning to schools in the county from November 1.

Cases within 10-14 year olds has increased by 15% in the last week, while the 15-19 bracket saw cases soar by 32% in the same period.

Public Health Suffolk director Stuart Keeble said: "We have seen the number of Suffolk pupils with Covid-19 increase so are working with schools to implement these additional measures immediately to help break the chain of transmission.

"We are taking these numbers seriously and school leaders are being extremely vigilant to ensure children and staff are safe."

Hadleigh residents not able to attend St Mary's or do not wish to wait to be called, can telephone 119 or online https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ to organise an appointment at another vaccination site.