Cheshire West and Chester reaches a vaccine milestone

A landmark 250,000 residents in Cheshire West and Chester have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 204,000 receiving their second.

This equates to 85% of eligible residents receiving one dose and 69% receiving two.

The aim of the vaccination programme is to protect as many people as possible from serious illness through developing the UK population's immunity against COVID-19.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “It is great news that so many people have been vaccinated. The effort of all those involved in the vaccine programme has been incredible. It has been an inspirational example of joined-up working.

“But there is still much work to be done as some 45,000 eligible adults still need to have their first vaccine and 92,000 need to have a double dose.

“The vaccines are a miracle of science, they are free, and you no longer even need to book to get a jab. My message to those still to get vaccinated or get their second dose is, please do it now. COVID-19 will never go away but vaccines are our ticket to regaining normality in our lives. It will help protect you and protect others.

“Wonderful though the vaccines are, remember that they don’t offer total immunity. Continue to test and observe the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance and test twice a week whether vaccinated or not. Stay safe.”

All adults over the age of 18 are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.  Second vaccines are available eight weeks after your first dose.

Walk-in vaccination centres, including pop-up roving clinics, can be found via the Council website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/vaccinepopups or can be booked at venues through the National Booking Service either online at:

www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination 

or by phoning: 119.

For more information on the vaccine visit: cheshireccg.nhs.uk.

For more information about testing in the borough visit:

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing