Almost 90% of Covid patients needing intensive care at seven north east London hospitals in the last few months were not fully vaccinated

The local NHS released the figures today in the hopes of encouraging more people to get both jabs and protect themselves.

Between 14th July and 2nd September, 203 Covid patients were admitted to intensive care units across north east London, including Leytonstone’s Whipps Cross Hospital.

Only 22 of these patients had become seriously ill despite being fully vaccinated, while the remaining 181 were not. 

Rajesh Jain, a leading critical care doctor in neighbouring Redbridge and Havering, said the figures proved the vaccine “is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill”.

He said: “The Covid-19 patients currently in our ICUs are unlikely to have needed intensive care if they had been fully vaccinated. I’d encourage everyone to ensure you have both doses. 

“Reducing the number of patients needing to be admitted to our ICUs will also reduce pressure on our already stretched staff.”

One third of beds in intensive care units across north east London are currently occupied by Covid patients, leaving less room for those suffering from other illnesses like cancer.

The hospitals also noted that unvaccinated patients needing intensive care tended to be an average of six years younger than those who were vaccinated against Covid.