'Brilliant response' as half a million patients in Lancashire vaccinated against virus

Health bosses hailed the public response to the rollout as 'brilliant' as more than half a million Lancashire residents successfully receive their first jab.

Figures released by NHS England yesterday revealed that as of February 21, 500,119 people had received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.

The statistics showed that 72,479 of those were aged between 65 and 69, the latest cohort to be asked to come forward for their jabs in the fight against the virus.

The vaccines are being delivered at hospital hubs, GP-led vaccination centres, Pharmacy-led vaccination centres, mass vaccination sites, care homes and to housebound residents across the Lancashire vicinity.

And anyone aged 64 and over who has not been vaccinated is now being urged to respond to their recent invite to get their vaccine at one of the more than seven vaccination centres and nine pharmacy-led sites across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Jane Scattergood, COVID-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, said: “I’m so proud of NHS staff, volunteers and other partners across Lancashire and South Cumbria who have done an incredible job so far delivering the largest vaccination drive in our history, at the same time as dealing with high levels of COVID-19 hospital patients.

“The response we have seen from local people in doing their bit to attend appointments and come forward to have the vaccine has been brilliant and as such we have vaccinated more than half a million people to date.

“To the small proportion of people who have been invited but not come forward yet, I would urge you to do so as quickly as possible. Vaccines are the best weapon we have in the fight against coronavirus, and local services are going to great lengths to ensure that local people can get this protection in a safe and convenient place.

“And to the wider public, please do continue to play your part. That means unless you are in the groups being invited now, please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you when it is the right time. When we do contact you, please attend your appointment at exactly the time you’re asked to; and whether you have had your vaccine or not, please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives.

“We continue to be extremely grateful to all our partners including Lancashire County Council, Cumbria County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council, our district councils, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, the military, police, local businesses and many more.”

According to the latest NHS figures, 513,448 doses of the vaccination have been given out across Lancashire and South Cumbria since December 10.

The news follows the recent opening of Preston's first mass vaccination site at a closed B and M bargains store, St John's shopping centre, on February 18, that saw 'hundreds' of people given vaccine appointments.

People who have received their invitation letter can book their slot online via the national booking service.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme click here.

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