Rutlanders who haven't been vaccinated are urged to attend drop-in clinics in Oakham tomorrow and Wednesday.

The jabs are available at the offices of Rutland County Council, Catmose House, Catmos Street, Oakham, between 8.30am and 5pm, where the Pfizer jab will be given.

The clinics are running as anyone who has not yet been vaccinated or is due their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is urged to go and get their jab in the next two weeks.

The plea comes as the local NHS scales up the number of vaccine opportunities ahead of the 19th July date proposed for Covid restrictions to be lifted.

The NHS says all the vaccines protect against both catching and passing on the virus, so the more people who are fully vaccinated now, the safer it will be as restrictions hopefully lift later this month. In fact, the more people vaccinated the more likely it is restrictions will be lifted.

Taking action now will give everyone the confidence to make the most of the

freedom of getting back to normal: going on holiday abroad, enjoying large

gatherings such as sporting events, weddings and concerts, or just meeting up with friends and family in larger groups.

There are three ways to get your jab in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland:

1. National Booking Service: Visit www.nhs.uk or call 119. In Leicester,

Leicestershire and Rutland appointments are available to book at the Peepul

Centre, the Hospital Hubs, Pharmacies and Sturdee Road Health and

Wellbeing Centre.

1. Your GP Practice: If your GP practice is offering vaccines, they will contact

you to let you know you can book an appointment.

1. Drop-in clinic: Drop-in clinics are opportunities for you to call in to get

vaccinated without making an appointment.

In recent months, drop-in clinics have been used successfully locally to make it as

convenient as possible for people to get the jab, many operating during evenings

and weekends.

Drop-in clinics are currently available across Rutland and Leicestershire but many more will be added over the next two weeks.

People are encouraged to keep an eye on the website for the latest available drop-in clinics: https://bit.ly/GetVaxxedLLR or search

for #GetVaxxedLLR.

People who had their first dose at least eight weeks ago can also attend the drop-in clinics for their second dose of the same vaccine.

Andy Williams, Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups said: "We are so close to being able to get back to normal.

"Please go and get your vaccine in the next two weeks. It will be so worthwhile when we can enjoy our summer of freedom with confidence. You can either book your appointment in advance or come along to a drop-in clinic at your convenience, including during evenings and weekends. We will be adding more options over the coming days."