Vaccinated young people across Wirral are adding their voices to the Spread the Facts campaign to show how others can play their part in stopping the spread of Covid-19.

A local, independent survey conducted as part of the campaign found that 72% of surveyed younger people in Cheshire and Merseyside agree the vaccination is necessary for a return to ‘normal’ life.

The survey also uncovered how younger people’s lives have been severely affected by the pandemic, with 46% stating that it had caused a deterioration in their mental health, and 53% saying that lockdown had made them feel alone and isolated.

Adam Cureton, 24, from Prenton, has had both vaccinations and is encouraging others to get their jab.

Adam said: “I’ve suffered from asthma since I was a child and I know that, while I’m otherwise fit and healthy, catching COVID could severely affect me.

“So, when I was invited to take up the jab a few months ago, there wasn’t a question in my mind about whether I should do it or not.

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“My girlfriend, who also has asthma, is a frontline worker as a trainee pharmacist, so we both feel very strongly about not only protecting ourselves, but protecting our families too.

“We’re all so desperate for life to get back to normal and to be able to do the things we previously took for granted – the vaccine is our way to do this and hopefully our route out of lockdowns and further restrictions.”

Like Adam, many young people are keen to get back to normal life as a34% of those surveyed also stated that their physical fitness was worse, while 35% said they have suffered financially as a result of the pandemic.

There were also reported concerns about restrictions returning with 62% saying they were worried about going back into another lockdown and 63% saying they were anxious about the spread of new variants.

The Spread the Facts initiative, which originally launched earlier this year, features young frontline health workers, like Adam, sharing their own personal stories and telling young people how they can play their part in stopping the spread of the virus.

Another supporter of the initiative is 24-year-old care worker Ellie Longman from Liverpool.

She said: “I have seen, both in my job as a care assistant and through my own experience with COVID-19, exactly how important vaccinations are in helping stop the spread and serious illness due to the virus.”

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Ellie says she was able to access her vaccination in february due to her job and was happy to go forward for it to protect the most vunerable.

“I think it’s important to remember that, just because we are in the younger age bracket, it doesn’t mean we are automatically safe from the effects of virus and, after losing a family member to COVID-19, I know the immense devastation the virus can cause to families and communities.

“At the end of the day, science doesn’t lie, and the figures show that vaccinations work in helping to significantly reduce serious illness and deaths due coronavirus, and ultimately getting back to enjoying life out of lockdown and without restrictions.

“Before the pandemic I enjoyed travelling and meeting new people, and I’m really excited to be able to do those things again.”

Since the vaccination programme was opened up to over 18 year olds, public health chiefs across the country have been amazed at the positive response and are continuing to praise younger people for stepping up in the fight against the virus.

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool and lead Director for Communications and Marketing in Cheshire & Merseyside, said: “It is very encouraging to see the high levels of younger people already stepping up and taking the vaccine to protect themselves, as well as their family and wider community.

“It shows that younger people understand how instrumental they are in the fight against the virus and are prepared to take action to save lives.

“We should all be incredibly proud of our younger people for stepping up to ensure we can continue on our road out of lockdown and back to normality.”