GPs in Sandbach have sought to reassure residents about the safety and effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine following a low take-up of appointments this week.

The SMASH primary care network has around 1500 slots available for eligible people to receive the jab, but only 450 have been taken up so far.

In a post on the Sandbach GPs Facebook page, they said: "Don't believe the French- AZ is great!"

The post went onto reference results from a clinical trial on the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine released today which was conducted in the US showing it to be 79% effective against symptomatic infection and 100% effective at preventing people falling seriously ill.

The reassurance comes following some the resumption of the vaccine's rollout in some EU countries after they paused last week to investigate potential blood clots.

Health regulators for the EU found the AstraZeneca jab was "not associated" with an increased risk of blood clots.

Sandbach GPs added: "You may have heard that in the next few weeks there may be a shortage - get it now while stocks last!!"

Patients who have received a text have been urged to reply, even to decline the vaccine. If you are in cohorts 1-9 and haven't heard anything or booked in, contact your practice.

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