Almost 600,000 vaccinations given to people in Leicestershire and Rutland

Almost 600,000 vaccinations have already been given to people in Leicestershire and Rutland as the growing battle to beat the Covid-19 pandemic gathers pace.

Local NHS leaders have saluted everyone involved in the massive rollout across Harborough and throughout the region as they swept past the half a million landmark.

Over 560,000 doses of the vaccine have now been put in the arms of local patients - with over 74,000 shots administered in the last week alone.

Andy Williams, the chief executive of the LLR (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland) clinical commissioning groups, said: “It’s fantastic to reach this milestone and it’s a moment to say thank you to everyone who has helped to deliver the vaccine in our area.

“Alongside NHS staff, hundreds of volunteers are involved as vaccinators and in other clinical roles, as administrators, marshals, cleaners and site managers.

“I would also like to thank those who have organised conversations within their communities to discuss any concerns they have about the vaccine.”

He added: “Every person’s efforts has enabled us to reach today’s milestone.

“We have received so many positive comments from patients who have been impressed by the way the vaccination programme has been run. “The vaccine is our way out of the restrictions we’ve had on our lives and we have begun to see the effects it has had in protecting people from the virus.

“People being vaccinated have told our teams it is a special moment and they are so thankful.”

Vaccination teams appreciate the positive feedback they receive.

One grateful patient said: “I have just received my second vaccination.

“On both occasions I was impressed with the number of people attending and the speed and efficiency that the vaccinations were carried out.

“What a team and thank you to everybody involved - much appreciated.”

Dr Sulaxni Nainani, a GP and member of Leicester City CCG’s Governing Body, said: “We’ve seen fantastic work carried out across our area, and we are planning new initiatives to increase vaccinations further.

"We have come up with innovative ways to reach our communities to ensure that the vaccine is taken.”

The first vaccine dose in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland was given on December 12 at Leicester General Hospital.

Since then:

· Patients and staff in all local care homes have been offered the vaccine

· All GP practices are offering the vaccine to patients from GP practices, council offices and community buildings such as leisure centres

· Drop-in clinics have been held at community venues, including Al Furqan mosque

· Five hospital hubs have been set up to administer the vaccine to staff and patients

· Eight pharmacies are offering the vaccine.

Over the next few weeks, vaccination supplies are being prioritised for people due their second dose.

However, if you are over 50 and have not yet had your first vaccination you should contact your GP practice.

Currently, people aged 50 and over, anyone who has received a letter from the NHS telling them they are clinically extremely vulnerable, anyone aged 16 and over with an underlying health condition, carers and health and social care staff are eligible to be vaccinated.

“If you have an appointment booked and you are no longer able to attend because, for example, you have arranged an appointment via a different route, please make sure you cancel your appointment so that it can be made available to someone else,” said the NHS.