CHESHIRE AND MERSEYSIDE’S COVID VACCINCATION PROGRAMME REACHES TWO MILLION MILESTONE

More than two million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been delivered across Cheshire and Merseyside.

In just five months, almost 2.1 million doses (as of May 4) have been provided with an incredible 51% of the population of Cheshire and Merseyside now having had their first and/or second dose.

The milestone highlights the incredible efforts of the NHS and partners to roll out the vaccination programme. It also shows the commitment of staff and volunteers in delivering the programme and encouraging the public to get vaccinated.

In line with the national rollout, people aged 40 and above are now being invited to come forward. More than half of 45-49-year-olds in Cheshire and Merseyside have already had their first dose.

One hundred percent of care home residents have had their first vaccination and 81% have already received their second dose in Cheshire and Merseyside. More than 94% of 65–69-year-olds have had their first jab and 83% of 50–54-year-olds. Around 52% of 45–49-year-olds have also had their first dose.

People who are due for their second dose are being encouraged to make sure they take up the offer as soon as they are invited or if they have an appointment already booked.

Even-though people may feel they are already protected from the virus following their first jab; they do not receive full protection until both doses have been administered.

Chief Officer of the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, Jackie Bene, said: “Breaking through the 2 million dose barrier gives us another opportunity to thank everyone involved in the vaccine programme for their hard work and dedication and mark the fact that we continue to work at pace to make everyone as safe from Covid-19 as we possibly can.

“Every one of these vaccinations marks a step along the way to combatting Covid-19 and helping us move towards a more normal way of life.

“Already more than half of the people in our area have had at least one dose of the vaccine, with around half of them having had their second dose as well. This is an incredible achievement.

“Despite this success, there is still a long way to go, and I would urge everyone to continue to do the sensible things around hand hygiene, social distancing and wearing a mask where needed. As we begin to open up to a more normal life, we need to be as vigilant as ever.

“Please do not think you are invincible if you have been vaccinated, especially those who are still to be given their second dose. Even fully vaccinated people can pass on Covid-19 to others, so we still need to get the basics right and look after those we love and everyone around us. My thanks again go to everyone involved in delivering this vital vaccination programme.”

Over the coming weeks more temporary vaccination sites are due to be opened across Cheshire and Merseyside, so people can easily access a vaccine and maintain safe social distancing for their first and second doses.

People who have received a letter or text inviting them to book their vaccine can log on to the national booking service at:

www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination 

Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. GPs are also contacting those who are housebound to vaccinate them at home.