Vaccination centres in Wirral are offering a number of walk-in slots on Saturday (June 19), with an aim to make it easier and more convenient than ever for eligible people who haven’t had their vaccine yet to come forward.

People will be able to walk-in to any of four vaccination centres with no appointment needed.

Vaccines will be available on a first come, first served basis and subject to vaccine supply.  Anyone with a pre-booked appointment should attend at their timed slot and receive their vaccine as planned.

According to Public Health England, in the seven days to June 12, Wirral had a Covid weekly infection rate of 81.5 per 100,000 people with 264 new cases.

That has jumped up from a rate of 52.2 per 100,000 seven days earlier, when 169 people tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, Wirral Council has welcomed the Government's move to provide additional support to the Liverpool City Region in efforts to tackle the rise in infection rates locally.

Director of Public Health for Wirral, Julie Webster said: “The last time our numbers were this high we were in a lockdown and cases of Covid-19 are continuing to rise at a worrying rate across Wirral.

"The Government has allocated enhanced support to help tackle the spread of the virus and this will give us more flexibility to fight this new wave of infections locally.

“So how can you play your part? It is really important that people get a symptom-free test twice a week, particularly if you are attending school or a workplace, because you can spread the virus without knowing.

"You should continue to get tested regularly even if you have had the vaccine, because while you have good protection, you could be spreading it to others who haven’t yet had their jab.

“The Delta variant is now the dominant variant and highly transmissible but we know the vaccine offers the best possible protection against becoming seriously ill. I would urge everyone who is eligible to get one as soon as possible, even if you have already had COVID-19.

"The biggest increase in infections is among the 20-39 age group and it is vital that you book your jab to make sure you are protecting yourself and your loved ones.

"It is also essential that you come back for your second jab. You wouldn’t go out half-dressed and the approach to the vaccine is the same. You need two doses for maximum protection.”

"I cannot emphasise enough the importance of continuing to follow the guidance on hands, face, space and fresh air. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should and meeting people outside in the open air is still the best option to stay safe this summer.

"If we do this, along with testing and vaccinations, then we can slow the spread of the virus in our community and protect the NHS."

“We must not drop our guard against COVID-19, it has not gone away. We must keep doing the right things to stop the spread and Keep Wirral Well.”

Vaccination and testing guidance

Anyone who is eligible but hasn’t had their first jab yet should arrange their vaccination as soon as possible using the national booking service or wait to be invited by their GP to attend an appointment at a local GP-led vaccination centre.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To get a symptom-free COVID-19 test or request a testing kit, click here.