Get vaccinated so you can return to living the life you love – that is the message to Southend’s young people.

Southend Council has launched a new #GrabTheJab campaign to encourage 18 – 30 year olds to get double vaccinated.

The campaign, which will run until September, will use some Great British summer’s most loved activities – dancing at a music festival, roaring on your football team from the stands, visiting family and going on trips abroad with pals – to sell the benefits of double vaccination.

The latest Government data shows 61 per cent of 18 – 24 year olds in Southend have had their first jab; for 25 – 29 year olds this figure is 61.3 per cent.

Only 23 per cent of 18 – 24 year olds have had a second jab, although many will still be waiting for their appointment, and 29.5 per cent of 25 – 29 year olds are double vaccinated – with many due for their appointment in the coming weeks.

“With the majority of restrictions lifted on activities such as travelling abroad, visiting nightclubs, attending live music and sporting events, there are understandably many who feel nervous and cautious about the unknown impact Covid-19 could have,” Krishna Ramkhelawon, the council’s director of public health said.

“The virus is still a very real concern so we must continue to be cautious. We want our local young people to know that by having both Covid-19 vaccinations they can enjoy getting back to the activities they have missed with the confidence and knowledge that they are protecting themselves from catching or passing on the virus.”

Campaign material will be posted on social media and mobile phone ads as well as across the borough on buses, Victoria train station billboards, high street posters, pubs, clubs, and phone boxes.

A video will also play on rotation via The Forum’s big screen video in central Southend.

Councillor Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration, added: “It’s really important that young people understand clearly the benefits of getting vaccinated and know that they can access it safely and easily. We want them to see, be included in and be part of a positive future and think about the positive impact vaccination has on others.”

Businesses are pitching in to support the campaign, including The Broker Freehouse in Leigh.

Elaine Gloyne, owner of The Broker, said: “We are supporting this campaign and will be displaying posters in our premises because it’s really important that everyone, young and old, sees the benefits of getting vaccinated and know that they can access it safely and easily and enjoy getting back to all the things that have been off limits due to the pandemic.”