One million in South West have had second jab

MORE than one million people in the South West have now received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The milestone was hailed by senior figures in the NHS in the region.

They said that the vaccine rollout was contributing to the fall in infections and deaths from the virus, while stressing how critical it was people took up their second vaccination.

Dr Julie Yates, lead consultant for screening and immunisation in the South West added: “The second dose is really important for maximum long-term protection, so when you are due to have yours please make sure you attend your appointment.

“If you’re eligible for your first dose but haven’t booked yet please join the millions of people who are helping to protect themselves and others. It’s a really important step in continuing our progress back towards normal life.”

Daily publication of vaccine data showed that the South West reached the one million second jab milestone on Wednesday.

Figures for individual areas of the region that were published this week show that the most second vaccinations in the South

West have taken place in the NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area, at 209,777, and across the River Tamar in NHS Kernow CCG it is 104,654.

By April 18 some 147,253 people in the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG area had received both doses. In the NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG area the figure is 141,732; in NHS Gloucestershire CCG 109,300; in NHS Somerset CCG 118,009 and in NHS Dorset CCG 146,403.

In the past week alone nearly 300,000 people in the South West have received their second vaccination, with the greatest number of those getting a second jab in the past seven days being aged in their 70s.

Over that period 85,000 people between 75-79 in the South West had a second jab, as did 65,000 people aged between 70-74.

Regional director of NHS England and NHS Improvement – South West, Elizabeth O’Mahony said: “This is a fantastic milestone, and everyone involved in the vaccination rollout, both frontline and behind the scenes, should feel really proud. The success of the vaccination rollout has already contributed to dramatic falls in infections, hospitalisations and deaths from the virus.

“However, even when vaccinated it’s important we all continue to follow all the guidance in place, including hands, face and space.”

She added that the same vaccine should be used for both doses. To ensure this, people should have their second dose at the same place as their first. People who received their first dose in a hospital hub or through a GP service will be contacted to receive their second dose.

Those who booked their first appointment through the national booking service will have booked both their first and second appointments at the same time, and can log in at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine to be reminded of their arrangements.

First vaccine appointments are currently on offer to those aged over 45. More than three million people in the South West have had a first vaccine.

‘This is a fantastic milestone and everyone involved should feel really proud’