Shrewsbury Town FC manager Steve Cotterill encourages local people to get vaccinated

Shrewsbury Town FC’s manager, Steve Cotterill, advises people living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to have the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they can.

Steve has experienced the serious effects of COVID-19 at first hand and is very aware of the benefits of being vaccinated.

Steve said: “There is a big push at the moment to try and get everyone vaccinated. A lot of  older people have had their second jab which is great. We’re now well into the younger groups and I would encourage them to go along and get their injections.

“They are not injecting a live virus where all of a sudden you’re going to be poorly for months on end, like I was myself. After what I’ve been through, I couldn’t wait to get my daughters vaccinated and they’re in the younger group.

“I say please, because I understand you can’t make everybody, but I would please ask all of you to go and get your injections done. It’s not just for you, it’s for your parents, your grandparents and all your family members who are of an older generation who might be more vulnerable to it.

“If you knew half of what I had to endure in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, 100% you would be having your injections. Please find the time to do it and I’m sure you will all be fine.”

Steve Ellis from the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin vaccination programme, said: “The benefits of having a COVID-19 vaccination by far outweigh the risk of any very rare side effects in a very small number of people. The vaccination can avoid people becoming seriously ill and avoid them having to go into hospital.

“It’s not too late to come forward even if you were invited some time ago; please book your appointment now.

“It is also important that people have their second doses to maximise the protection for themselves and their family.”

Over 500, 000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given to local people across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin thanks to the hard work of the vaccination programme team, including NHS staff and volunteers.