TWO million doses of Covid vaccine have now been administered in the region.
The milestone has been collectively reached by over 50 vaccination sites in the Coventry and Warwickshire region run by GPs, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) and Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
NHS bosses paid tribute to the hundreds of people involved, including site managers, volunteer vaccinators, and other volunteers who have supported vaccination clinics by registering patients, car park marshalling and acting as stewards.
Rob Spencer, Operations Director for the Covid vaccination programme at CWPT, said: “Since the vaccination programme started in January 2021, in just over 12 months, we are now celebrating by reaching two million vaccinations.
“I am extremely proud and grateful for the momentous effort the staff and volunteers have contributed in their efforts to vaccinate the residents of Coventry and Warwickshire and have helped save thousands of lives.”
The GGC said that while the booster vaccine had been the focus of recent vaccination drives, anyone who is yet to receive a first or second dose is urged to come forward now.
CCG clinical chair Dr Sarah Raistrick said: “It’s vital to get your booster when you are eligible – three months after your second dose – to boost your immunity this winter and help the NHS.
“There are reports of symptoms of Omicron being mild, but they are only mild because people have been vaccinated or have previous immunity. Unvaccinated people can become seriously unwell.
“Two jabs aren’t enough to protect from Omicron, but a booster really does its job in boosting immunity to offer a good level of protection. Studies have shown that it reduces the risk of symptomatic disease from the Omicron variant by up to 75 per cent.”
Locke House in Rugby has administered over 157,000 vaccinations since opening in December 2020 – the most of any site in the region.
Site manager Gita Natarajan said: “As we reach this milestone, we want to remind people to get vaccinated if they haven’t already. Please do book your appointment or walk in and get vaccinated to protect yourself and others as soon as possible.
“You do not have to have an NHS number or be registered with a GP practice to get a vaccination. If you do not have English skills, we can offer support in your language. There will be a clinical lead on site to answer your questions and to support you, if you are nervous.”
If you have recently had a positive Covid test, you need to wait 28 days before you can have your first, second or booster vaccination.
For the latest clinic opening times, visit www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins for walk-in centres, or www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccination-sites for bookable sites.
