The NHS in Devon is reminding people how vital it is to have both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination to get the best protection from the virus and circulating variants; including the so called Indian and Kent variants.

The number of people in Devon not attending their second appointment has risen in recent weeks.

People in eligible groups are being reminded to:

• Book their second vaccination if it wasn't booked at the time of the first.

• Attend both appointments.

• If they have had a second dose elsewhere please cancel the original appointment.

• If they haven't booked at all because the timing of the second dose will clash with a planned holiday, keep checking the National Booking System for new dates.

NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group Primary Care Medical Director, Alex Degan, said: "It is really important to have both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in order to have maximum protection from the virus.

"If you can't make your appointment, or have already had your second dose elsewhere, please cancel your booking to allow someone else to take your place and prevent vaccines from being wasted."

Tina Henry, Deputy Director for Public Health Devon said: "Positive case numbers right now in Devon remain stable, however we do expect case numbers to rise with the easing of restrictions.

"The vaccines are an important frontline defence to help prevent you from becoming seriously ill or requiring hospital treatment should you catch coronavirus.

"One dose gives you partial protection, the second dose will give you maximum protection. Please take up you second dose when invited to do so."

A recent study by Public Health England looked at the effectiveness of the vaccines against the so called Indian (now renamed Delta) and Kent (Alpha) variants of the virus and found that after the second dose, the protection offered by both vaccines to the variants increased significantly.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "This new evidence is groundbreaking – and proves just how valuable our Covid-19 vaccination programme is in protecting the people we love.

"It's clear how important the second dose is to secure the strongest possible protection against Covid-19 and its variants – and I urge everyone to book in their jab when offered."

People aged 30 and over, those who are at higher risk from Covid-19 and frontline health and care workers are currently eligible for the vaccination. Appointments can be booked on National Booking Service website or by calling 119.