Following media reports last week that more than one-fifth of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 were aged between 18 and 34, Rutland's director of public health urged younger people not to delay getting vaccinated.

Mike Sandys said the proportion of patients aged 18-34 in hospital had nearly quadrupled from 5.4% at the peak of the winter wave in January to reach more than 20% last month, with 5,000 seriously ill in hospital.

He is reminding young people and families in this age group to Get vaxxed – enjoy being back.

This is the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland campaign created to encourage younger people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, and feel safe and confident as they get back to enjoying activities they have not been able to do for so long.

He added: "In the last few weeks, there have been noticeable changes in the way COVID-19 is spreading in the UK, particularly in younger age groups.

"COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 60,000 lives and prevented 22 million infections in England alone.

"They are building a wall of defence against the virus and are the best way to protect people of all ages from serious illness. I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs."

In Rutland, anyone aged over 18 can visit the vaccination centre at the Council Offices, Catmose House, Catmose Road, Oakham, LE15 6HP.

A series of clinics offering both booked appointments and walk-in slots for PfizerBioNtech and AstraZeneca vaccines this month began on Wednesday 11 August and will also be open from 8.30am to 6.00pm on:

Friday 13 August

Saturday 21 August

Every clinic will welcome everyone eligible for their first COVID vaccination dose, including those who will be 18 in the next three months, as well as people due for a second dose at least 56 days after their first.

Young people can also visit the website at www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-vaccine/big-vaccination-weekend/ or https://bit.ly/GetVaxxedLLR to find out about getting their first or second dose.

This includes details of drop-in clinics, ways to make an appointment, and a video on You Tube.

Messages are also being shared on social media using the hashtag #GetVaxxedLLR