A major milestone has been reached in the local delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme with 2m jabs delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Latest official data published today (Thursday 17 June) shows that 2,068,810 doses of the vaccine had been delivered locally by the week ending 13 June.
To date more than 91% of adults aged 30 and over have received their first COVID-19 jab and the vaccination programme continues to roll-out at pace across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This milestone has been reached just six months since the launch of the biggest vaccination programme in this history of the NHS. Watch our video here.
Anyone aged 21 and over is invited to make an appointment to receive the vaccine by contacting via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to making a booking.
With bookings due to open up to adults aged 18 or over by the end of the week, everyone eligible is urged to take up the offer of a vaccine as soon as they receive their invitation.
Jenny Erwin, Senior Responsible Officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “We are proud of and incredibly grateful to everyone who has stepped up and continues to go above and beyond to support delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. We will never forget the dedication of every one of our colleagues, partners and volunteers who have helped us achieve this milestone in just six months – thank you.
“We don’t stop here. Working with our partners we continue to do all we can to reduce inequalities and ensure everyone eligible receives the vaccine. We remain on track to have offered every adult across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 19 July and I urge anyone eligible who hasn’t yet made an appointment to do so as soon as possible.”
Dr Nigel Watson, Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “This is an incredible achievement and testament to the dedication and commitment of all our colleagues and partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight whose outstanding efforts are helping to save lives.
“Getting the vaccine helps protect you, your loved ones and our communities against COVID-19. The first dose offers good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone will need a second dose. Two doses of the vaccines are highly effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19, which is now making up the vast majority of cases and I encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated without delay.
“Please keep your appointment if you have been offered one or are booked into a clinic. If you are unable to attend an appointment please cancel the appointment so that someone else can benefit from it.
“If you have previously declined a vaccination – the benefits outweigh any potential risks – if you now would like to be vaccinated please contact your practice or book an appointment via the national booking service.”