ONE of Thurrock's new councillors has featured in a promotion by the authority urging young people to get vaccinated to protect themselves against coronavirus.

Adman Carter, a 26-year-old surprise Conservative winner in Chadwell St Mary at last May's elections is being promoted as an example of why getting the jab is important.

Cllr Carter, whose tenure of just over three months in Chadwell [L] https://thurrock.nub.news/n/councillor-could-be-in-hot-water-over-abusive-post-following-horrific-fall-and-injury-to-resident []L+]has been shrouded in some controversies, [.L]says the trend of people under 30 opting not to have the Covid-19 is 'worrying'.

He says: "Like many places in the UK Thurrock has seen the worrying trend of younger people aged under 30 not taking up the offer of the vaccine.

"The simple fact is, that the more people that have the vaccine the safer they and all of us are. Even though I am 26 years-old I was among the first in Thurrock to get the vaccine, having my first dose at the end of last year and my second in February. This was to support me in my job caring for residents of Thurrock.

"The fact is I was given the vaccine to help protect the people that I look after at work and trust me they did not need to ask me twice! I was better protected, those that I work with were better protected and my friends were better protected.

"I know there is a lot of concern and also a great deal of misinformation about the vaccine. It is clear that the vaccines were developed, tested and trialled by some of the cleverest people in the country and they are safe, there is no way they would be being given to people throughout the world if they weren't. Anyone my age who has not taken up the offer of a vaccine should really not delay any longer.

"Not only do you reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill by 90% you reduce the risk of suffering long-Covid which is a terrible and debilitating illness that will negatively impact your life for months or even years.

"It has now been over eight months since I received my first dose and there has not been one single negative effect from me having it.

"I would again urge all those under 30 to take up the offer of the vaccine immediately. If you don't do it for yourselves do it to protect your parents, grandparents, friends and work colleagues. The more of us that are vaccinated the safer everyone is."

The message, distributed in he council's online newsletter, has been rubber-stamped by council leader Rob Gledhill.

He says: "As we continue on the pathway through summer we can see that getting the vaccine is by far the most important thing any of us can do.

"The evidence on this is clear. Once you have had two doses of the vaccine you are 90% less likely to end up in hospital as a result of contracting coronavirus. In fact you are far less likely to contract coronavirus altogether.

"This means that not only are you protected but you are also playing a significant part in protecting others. The less likely you are to catch coronavirus the less likely you are to spread it. This is truly a win-win situation: you are better protected and you have also protected your family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and anyone else you might come into contact with.

"In Thurrock alone there have been over 183,000 doses of the vaccine administered and in the UK there have been more than 83 million doses given.

"Not only does the vaccine protect you and others it is likely to also be a vital component for anyone hoping to travel abroad in the near future. Anyone not double vaccinated will have to quarantine for 10 days after arriving back in the UK from a country on the Amber List of countries but those who have both vaccine doses will not need to quarantine and will only need to take the appropriate test before and after arrival in the UK.

"The reasons to take up the offer of the vaccine are overwhelming: you will have the peace of mind of knowing you are better protected and have done your part to protect others and at the same time will enjoy greater freedom to travel and relax as you enjoy the summer.

"Another great way to help protect ourselves and each other is to continue following hands, face, space, fresh air guidance. Locally we have seen many people looking out for their community by continuing to wear face coverings. I would like to thank everyone for all they are doing to help us as we follow the pathway through summer."