Rugby woman records video to urge others with Down's Syndrome to receive their coronavirus vaccination

A Rugby woman with Down’s Syndrome was so impressed by her recent experience of getting the coronavirus jab, she has decided to help others by making her own video to help demystify the process.

Being in cohort six - not the priority group for vaccination, 40-year-old Joanne received the jab at her nearest GP-led service last week.

A recent study from the University of Oxford revealed that people with Down's Syndrome are almost five times more likely to be hospitalised with Covid-19, and ten times more likely to die from it.

Joanne thought it so important to encourage residents to receive the vaccination that she has recorded a video, telling people what to expect and explaining that people with relative or next of kin to their appointment and that the staff at the vaccination centre are very friendly.

The video also alleviates concerns people may have about receiving the vaccine.

Joanne said: “My experience was fantastic, they explained it to me really well.

"It was quick, you don’t have to be scared.”

Dr Sarah Raistrick, chair of Coventry and Rugby CCG and a Coventry GP said: “I hope people take the time to watch Joanne’s video and realise that having the vaccine isn’t as scary as they may think.

"The vaccine is really important to protect people from the virus, especially for people with Down’s Syndrome, and I think Joanne’s message will help to reassure people like her to get vaccinated.”

People with Down’s Syndrome will be invited to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at a local vaccination centre and do not need to contact the NHS for an appointment.