OLDHAM Council's leader was in the town centre on Saturday urging young people to get their coronavirus jabs at a pop-up vaccination site – to help them potentially save their lives.

Cllr Arooj Shah went to the vaccination site on Curzon Street, just outside the market hall, where Covid-19 jabs were being administered.

No appointments were needed with vaccinations carried out until 5pm.

Young people aged 16 and 17 can now get vaccinated at any walk-in clinic across Oldham.

Cllr Shah asked residents to think about how they can help themselves and their family and friends to be protected against the virus.

Cllr Shah said: "It's so incredibly important for us to take up the vaccination, not just to protect ourselves, but to protect our loved ones, our family, our friends, and the wider community.

"So please do take this offer up, no appointment necessary.

"It's so important that the younger generation understand that it's important for them to get vaccinated too."

Despite the easing of restrictions, Covid-19 remains a major health threat with many people losing their lives after testing positive for the virus.

On Friday, the council said that seven people in Oldham died last week after having coronavirus.

The local authority also reported that a further 701 cases were found in that time.

The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation states the vaccine can reduce the chance of a 16 or 17-year-old being hospitalised due to Covid-related illness by 80 per cent.

Cllr Shah also emphasised that some who have been seriously ill after having coronavirus may have thought it would not have affected them so severely.

She added: "You know, sometimes we're under the illusion that we're not going to be affected or we're not going to be as ill.

"But we know that's not the case.

"People are still dying from Covid so please do the right thing.

"Use this opportunity, get vaccinated and encourage your friends to do so too."

The national booking system can be used to make appointments for anyone aged over 18.

For more information, including a list of vaccination sites across the borough, visit oldham.gov.uk/vaccine.