MP encourages all residents to ‘get a jab’

Ms Atkins revealed more than 34,800 people in her Louth and Horncastle constituency had so received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Speaking at a visit to a vaccine centre in Mablethorpe last week, Ms Atkins said it was vital vaccinations continued at ‘great speed.’

During the visit, Ms Atkins – a Home Office Minister – also met with leading health bosses to discuss the future of the rollout .

Tte Government’s target is to offer a vaccine to all adults by July 31.

Crucially, Ms Atkins did not reveal whether the meeting included discussions on a long-awaited vaccine centre for Horncastle.

Many residents are still having to travel beyond the target figure of 10 miles.

Ms Atkins said: “It was great to visit the local vaccination site in Mablethorpe.

“During my visit, I was able to speak to patients who were incredibly excited about the future as they received their coronavirus injection.

“I would love for everyone to have that same happiness and hope and I encourage all residents to get the jab when they receive the call.

“This vaccine is the way out of our fight against the virus – and how we can all move forward to a much brighter future.

“Thanks to the Herculean efforts of everyone involved locally, the vaccination roll-out across the county is moving with great speed.

“We owe a great deal of gratitude to all NHS staff, volunteers and members of the armed forces for helping to protect our residents and keep us safe.”

Ms Atkins spent time with doctors, nurses and volunteers, learning about what she described as an ‘incredible logistical operation’ to vaccinate people.

The MP has previously supported calls for a centre in Horncastle and met with Sandra Williamson, chief operating officer East Locality, NHS Lincolnshire CCG.

Meanwhile, she also urged the public to continue to follow lockdown restrictions.