South West London health bosses are urging thousands of younger people to get their coronavirus vaccines.

More than 1.6 million coronavirus jabs have been administered across South West London, but Covid rates are still rising across the region, mirroring the national picture.

Case rates stood at 257 per 100,000 people in Croydon for the seven days up to July 10, this is up from 175 per 100,000 in the previous week.

In Merton, cases are at 230 per 100,000 up from 190 the previous week. And the case rate in Sutton is 269 per 100,000 up from 207.

Overall rate in England is 341 per 100,000 and in London it is 271 per 100,000.

Your Local Guardian: More than 1.6 million coronavirus jabs have been administered across South West LondonMore than 1.6 million coronavirus jabs have been administered across South West London

Croydon University Hospital is currently treating 20 coronavirus patients, three of whom are on ventilation.

While the Epsom and St Helier trust is treating 11 patients with two on ventilation across both hospitals.

The NHS in South London ran focus groups on the vaccines for young people which found that many would feel more confident getting it if they had more information on its effectiveness.

To help with this, nurses and staff will be on hand at vaccination sites, away from the main area, to answer any questions people may have.

Matron Trudy De Cordova, who runs vaccinations at Centrale shopping centre in Croydon, said: “If you’re thinking about having your vaccine, please don’t hesitate to pop into your local vaccination for a chat.

“We have created a warm and friendly environment in our Croydon vaccination centre and that atmosphere applies to all the sites.

“So if you are unsure about having your vaccine, just ask us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and there’s no pressure on you.”

A full list of walk-in vaccination centres can be found here: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/where-can-you-get-vaccinated/vaccination-walk-in-clinics.