THE mayor of Cheshire East says getting the coronavirus vaccine was ‘almost painless’ and is calling on the whole community to take it up.

Cllr Barry Burkhill, who represents Handforth, had his vaccine at Wilmslow Health Centre over the weekend – where more than 1,100 people were given the Covid jab on the first day.

The roll-out is taking place among groups who are most at risk to medical complications caused by Covid-19 first, and 81-year-old Cllr Burkhill was one of the first people in the borough to benefit.

He said: “It was a well-oiled machine of organisation with many nurses and doctors administering the injections in different sections of the health centre.

“It is so important for everyone who receives either a phone call or letter from the NHS inviting them to attend for their jab, to accept and gain the protection from this vicious virus.

“It not only protects you but also helps to eventually stop the spread to others.

“I would urge everyone to have their vaccine jab when it is offered. It only takes a few minutes and is almost painless.”

Vaccinations are also being administered at Knutsford, Macclesfield and Leighton hospitals, while Middlewich’s Victoria Hall will join the programme this week.

Residents will be contacted when it is their turn to have the vaccine.