County sees its two-millionth Covid vaccine jab
VACCINATION PROGRAMME HITS MAJOR MILESTONE
THE Covid-19 vaccination rollout scheme in Staffordshire as reached a major milestone this week.
Since the vaccination drive was launched in December 2020, 863,206 first doses, 793,550 second doses and 346,415 booster jabs have been administered at vaccination centres across Staffordshire, making a total of 2,003,171 vaccinations, with the two millionth jab being administered on Tuesday, November 30.
Clinical Lead for the vaccination programme Dr Paddy Hannigan said that reaching the two million vaccinations milestone was a fantastic achievement.
Dr Hannigan said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been able offer two million jabs to people across Staffordshire . . . as it means that they are now better protected against Covid-19, which will keep them and their loved ones safer, and help to reduce the strain upon our local health services – especially during the busy winter period.
“As the discovery of the Omicron variant has shown, Covid-19 is still a very real threat to people in our community and we would urge anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to come forward and get their jab to give themselves the best possible protection against the coronavirus.
“Hitting this two-million figure is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our vaccination teams who have been out there in our clinics administering the vaccine seven days a week, and the fantastic support we have had from our partners at Stokeon-trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.”
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet support lead on public health Dr Johnny Mcmahon said: “The vaccination programme has been a real gamechanger and a big thank-you goes out to all those who have already come forward to have their jabs and helped us reach this milestone.
“Having the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, so please don’t delay and get the first, second dose and booster as soon as you can.”
The vaccine rollout in the county has also been supported by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which has let the programme use some of its fire stations as vaccination hubs.
Covid-19 lead for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Richard Williams, said: “It is very encouraging to have reached this impressive vaccination milestone.
“We have worked closely with partners and colleagues across the region to support the vaccine effort.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to prioritise the vaccine rollout and ensure that the people of Staffordshire are protected from the effects of this deadly virus.
“I am so thankful that the rollout has been such a success, and I’m sure it will continue to be so in the coming winter months.”
Hitting the two-million figure is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our vaccination teams.
Dr Paddy Hannigan