REPORTS that some elderly West Somerset residents are delaying having Covid-19 jabs or turning up at vaccination centres without appointments brought warnings this week that such actions could put lives at risk.

An NHS spokesman urged anyone called in for an appointment not to delay but to make a visit to a vaccination centre an absolute priority.

The call was backed by local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who said he had been hearing ‘disturbing reports’ that some over-80s in West Somerset were not taking up appointments that had been made for them.

“For instance, I came across a case of an elderly person who declared they could not attend the centre at the time they had been called because it was too late in the day and it would be dark,” he said.

“We simply cannot allow attitudes like this to slow down a vaccination programme which we have been able to put in place thanks to the outstanding work of scientists and billions of pounds of Government money. The time of an appointment may not be completely convenient but that is no reason not to go.

“Scientists have been able to bring us to this stage in record time and it is now up to all of us to make the most effective use of this weapon. That means vaccinating the greatest number of people – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – in the shortest possible time,” Mr Liddell-Grainger added.

“It’s a matter of collective responsibility. We all need to take advantage of vaccination as soon as we are offered it. Anyone delaying is not merely leaving themselves exposed to risk, they are risking the lives of others as well.”