Young people across Lincolnshire are again being urged to get their covid vaccination as soon as possible, following confirmation that 18-34 year olds accounted for one fifth of covid hospital admissions nationally last month.

The sobering statistic was revealed by Amanda Pritchard, the new Chief Executive of NHS England, who also confirmed that the proportion of patients aged 18-34 in hospital as a result of covid has increased nearly four-fold from 5.4% at the peak of the winter covid wave in January, to more than 20% in July.

Rebecca Neno, Director of Covid and Influenza Vaccination Programmes, NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said: "Clearly these are concerning numbers for all of us and they very clearly show the potential risk involved in not having a covid vaccination.

"None of us are bullet proof, although we may feel that way particularly when we are younger, and this disease is not bothered about age. The simple truth is if you are unvaccinated you run a very real risk of getting seriously ill or even dying."

As per the warning given by Amanda Pritchard, young people are not immune from covid, and the best way for them, and all of us, to get the maximum protection is to be vaccinated.

Rebecca continued: "We continue to work extremely hard across the county to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated, since this is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends.

"We still have vaccination sites across Lincolnshire, including our two mass vaccination centres at the Lincolnshire Showground and PRSA, Boston, and we are still offering walk-in vaccinations."

There has been a notable slowdown in take up of the vaccination amongst younger people right across the country, including in Lincolnshire, with some apparently thinking the benefit of being vaccinated does not outweigh concerns they have about side effects or the hassle of getting an appointment.

Rebecca added: "It's no coincidence that across the country covid case rates are highest for people in their 20s – my message to them is two-fold. Firstly, if you have any doubts, concerns or questions just come and talk to us. We will do everything possible to give you the appropriate information to make your own informed choice and to help you sort the fact from the fiction.

"Secondly, I don't think it could be easier to get vaccinated than it is in Lincolnshire. You can either book an appointment online via the national booking service or by calling 119. Or you can just turn up and get vaccinated as a walk-in at one of our vaccination sites. We are here for you but please don't leave it until it's too late."

• There are walk-in opportunities available to people aged 18 and over on a 'first come, first served' basis as follows:

PRSA MVC, Boston – offering Pfizer and AZ walk-ins (no individual choice of vaccine, will be administered according to JCVI guidance), first and second doses, 8am-7pm seven days a week (NB from w/c 9 August, AZ appointments and walk-ins will only be available on Tuesdays at PRSA).

Lincolnshire Showground MVC – offering Pfizer and AZ walk-ins (no individual choice of vaccine, will be administered according to JCVI guidance), first and second doses, 8.15am-7pm seven days a week (NB from w/c 9 August, AZ appointments and walk-ins will only be available on Wednesdays at the Showground).

John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough – offering Pfizer or AZ, first and second doses, 9am-11am Thursday 12th August

Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe – offering AZ walk-ins, first and second doses, 9am-12pm Saturday 7th August, and Pfizer walk-ins, first and second doses 1pm-4.30pm Saturday 7th August

Stamford - vaccinations are now available in Stamford, in the former VW garage opposite Morrisons. Appointments are available by calling 119 or via the national booking system.