AN OFFER TO PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP

THE temporary closure of vaccination centres appears to be reflected in the number of jabs given in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, according to the latest figures.

There were 35,621 injections given across the city, county and Rutland between February 28 and March 7. The lowest seven-day total in weeks.

The progress is slower than in previous weeks where more than 50,000 jabs have been given. It was said this week and last were scheduled “low supply” weeks.

Latest NHS data shows there are now 365,445 patients in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who have had a first dose. Some 13,061 people have had both doses.

The number of people who have received their first dose by age group is: Over 80s: 50,859 75-79: 38,031

70-74: 52,464

65-69: 50,460 60-64:44,580

Under 65: 129,051

Last week’s totals were: Over 80s: 50,814 75-79: 37,915

70-74: 52,226 65-69: 49,148

Under 65: 141,725

One county vaccination centre closed for at least 11 days while a GP also complained this week he had 50 doses for 900 patients.

Vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi said on Wednesday the aim is to get 95 per cent of the adult population vaccinated for Covid. He also said there was to be a “big uplift” in vaccine supply in coming weeks.

“In the second half of March you will see a big uplift in supply.

“Up until now supply has been finite – when your supply is finite you have to try and make sure each region gets enough doses to do the cohort target.

“I’m expecting tens of millions of doses to come through – which allows us, for example, to double the number of pharmacies that will come online for delivery.

“We’re about to double that number by the end of March. The whole country will see a rapid increase in the number of people getting their first dose and getting protected.”