Critical Care consultants at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) have urged unvaccinated people to get the Coronavirus vaccine.

The warning comes as figures revealed the majority of Covid-19 cases in the most critical condition are people who have not had the vaccine.

The latest figures, released on Thursday 29th July, reveal that in NUH around 90% of Covid-19 patients in intensive care at the trust are unvaccinated. Just over half were aged under 44.

Of all Covid-19 patients at NUH, over 60 per cent have not been vaccinated, with a further 10 per cent only having had the first dose. There were 122 Covid-19 patients with 21 people in the most serious condition in intensive care.

Thea De Beer, Adult Intensive Care Consultant and a Clinical Director at NUH, said: "It's very worrying to see increasing numbers of Covid-19 patients requiring intensive care. What is perhaps most striking is that many are relatively young, in their 20s, 30s and 40s, and the overwhelming majority are unvaccinated – currently around 90 per cent.

"It's very difficult for our staff to see otherwise young, healthy people requiring help with their breathing, and in some cases fighting for their life, due to a virus for which we have a safe and effective vaccine. As frontline critical care professionals our message couldn't be more clear – if you have not yet had the vaccine please do so as soon as you can.

"We know that getting both doses of the vaccine is the best protection against Covid-19. Not only does it reduce your chances of contracting the virus, if you do it will likely be far less severe, and you are far less likely to need hospital treatment. Side effects are extremely rare and any potential risks associated with the vaccine are dwarfed by the risks posed by the virus."

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer for the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, added: "Latest figures show hospital admissions and beds occupied by Covid-19 patients are continuing to rise.

"I would urge everyone who hasn't had a vaccine to do so and I would urge those who are due their second dose to make sure they attend after eight weeks. It is vital for giving yourself and those around you the best possible protection against Covid-19. It is easier than ever to grab a jab with walk in sites open seven days a week across the city and county."

All vaccination sites across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are offering walk-in appointments for first and second doses. Second doses will be available for those who had their first dose 56 days (8 weeks) ago. The latest opening times can be viewed on the website or alternatively an appointment can be booked online or by calling 119.

A number of pharmacies across the region are also offering walk-in appointments, including Boots in the city centre, who will be accepting walk-in and booked appointments from 10.30-6.30pm on 5 and 6 August, to make it as convenient as possible for people in the city to grab a jab after work.