Vaccines given to about 90% of over-50s in South Holland

All over-50s and priority patients in South Holland should have received their first Covid vaccine in the next couple of weeks.

Health bosses say they are ‘delighted’ with the progress made on the vaccine rollout - and that about 90% of over-50s have already received a jab.

Figures released by Public Health England yesterday (Thursday) show that 50,296 people in South Holland had received a dose of the vaccine by March 28.

About 44,000 of those jabs have been delivered by GPs - with the rest administered at mass vaccination centres. The jabs have been given to residents in the first nine 'priority categories' - which includes those over 50, adults with certain health conditions and workers in the NHS and care homes.

Allied Health South Lincolnshire said: "We've given the vaccine to nearly 44,000 people now, and around 90% of people over 50 now have received their first vaccine in south Lincolnshire.

"Our teams will continue to give the vaccine over the Easter weekend.

"We have plenty of appointments available in the next week and will be doing our best to offer everyone who wants the vaccine the opportunity.

"Next week we'll pass 50,000 people vaccinated, feels like quite a landmark.

"We'll also be delivering second doses as well to our most vulnerable."

Patients have been receiving the Pfizer vaccine at Springfields Exhibition Centre, with the Astra Zeneca jabs handled in GP surgeries across the district.

Deputy Chief Nurse Rebecca Neno said: “We are delighted with the progress that has been made to date and we are aiming to finish cohorts 1-9 before mid-April.

“The delivery of the programme would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

“Over the coming weeks we will be delivering the second doses and would encourage anyone who has not had their first dose to make an appointment.”

Allied Health South Lincolnshire has also revealed the dates on which some patients will get their second doses of the Covid jab.

Patients who got their first dose at Springfields on January 16, 17, 19 or 20 will get their second jab on April 9 or 10.

Those who received their initial vaccine on January 22 or 23 will get their follow up vaccines on April 15.

Patients will be contacted by their respective practices and should wait to be invited for an appointment for their second dose.