GYMS and leisure centres across Oxfordshire are stepping up to ensure that more young people get vaccinated.

Better, a charitable social enterprise that operates gyms and leisure centre across the county, and on behalf of West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale district councils, has been invited to join Public Health England’s drive to boost vaccine uptake among the young.

The fitness operator is offering anyone aged 16-30 a £10 voucher to use at any membership at a Better-operated leisure facility and a three-day free pass to any of its leisure centre or gym.

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Better is one of a number of businesses currently pledging its support for the UK’s vaccination programme by offering incentives to vaccinated customers.

Participating leisure centres across the county include:

• Bartholomew Sports Centre, Eynsham

• Carterton Leisure Centre

• Chipping Norton Leisure Centre

• Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney

• Woodstock Open Air Pool

• Didcot Wave Leisure Centre

• Park Sports Centre, Wheatley

• Riverside Park and Pools

• Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield

• Thame Leisure Centre

• Didcot Leisure Centre

• Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool

• Faringdon Leisure Centre

• Wantage Leisure Centre

• White Horse Leisure Centre, Abingdon

In order to take up the offer, local residents need to need to complete the form available on the Better website www.better.org.uk/healthy-communities and follow the simple instructions.

Customers will need to present their vaccination card or alternative proof on their first visit to their local Better leisure centre or gym.

Mark Sesnan, Managing Director at Better said: “As soon as we heard about the campaign to incentivise young people to get vaccinated, we wanted to get involved. 

"As the UK’s largest operator of municipal leisure facilities, we know the value of regular exercise on our mental and physical health and this has been further highlighted during the pandemic. 

"We also know that having all adults double vaccinated plays a crucial role in our battle against COVID-19, so we wanted to help.

“We hope that by offering free passes and discount vouchers to our 235 gyms, leisure and sports centres across the UK, we will encourage many more young people to take up their vaccine.”

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Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Over 70% of young people aged 18 to 29 have now had their first jab – another superb milestone in our historic vaccination programme.

"A big thank you to all the companies who are helping us to protect the country – I urge everyone to get the jab and get shopping with these excellent discounts.”

Teenagers within three months of turning 18 can now book their vaccine appointment online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.

More than 300 sites across the UK are already offering the jab to 16 to 17 year olds.