One million covid jabs given out in Lincolnshire
The target's been reached just over 7 months since vaccinations were rolled out
Last updated 24th Jul 2021
Lincolnshire's covid vaccination programme has reached a new milestone today as it gave out its one millionth vaccination.
The total's been reached just over seven months since vaccinations began to be rolled out across the county last December.
Deputy Chief Nurse Rebecca Neno says it's an incredible feat, which seemed a long way off last year.
“The vaccination programme is unprecedented in its scale and ambition, and has only been possible thanks to the support and sheer hard work of so many NHS colleagues, partner organisations, local businesses and volunteers.
“In particular I would like to thank our GP practices and Primary Care Networks who have been a critical part of this, running the network of vaccination sites around Lincolnshire, all of who have hit their own significant milestones in recent weeks and months, making a massive contribution to the total of one million first and second vaccinations.
“Add to this our two Mass Vaccination Centres at PRSA and at the Lincolnshire Showground, as well as the support from pharmacies around the county, and of course the outstanding contribution made by so many volunteers and businesses, it really has been an amazing team effort.”
Due to the counties size, Rebecca knew it would be a challenge.
“With a total population of around 750,000 people, we knew that we would have to provide people with a range of options, in terms of where to get vaccinated, in order to accommodate the sheer geography and rurality of the county.
"This is why, with the help of our PCNs, we set up a network of vaccinations sites around the county, supported by our two Mass Vaccination Sites, our pharmacy partners and our army of volunteers.
“Perhaps the biggest thank you of all needs to go to the people of Lincolnshire, who have come forwards in huge numbers to get vaccinated and continue to do so.
"Without them none of this would have been possible and it’s them who have constantly done everything they can to help as we push on with getting out of this.”
Rebecca's not ready to rest just yet, she says there's more work to do.
“The first part of our response to covid is nearly over, but we are working very hard planning the next phase which will include booster vaccinations in the autumn.
"My message to people remains the same, getting vaccinated is the best way to get protected, the best way out of this, and the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.
"Please keep coming for your vaccinations.”
"It’s certainly something to tell the family about”
Lisa Szirtes, 42, Sleaford, was the recipient of the 1m jab.
“I had no idea until I arrived at PRSA this morning and I still can’t quite believe it.
"It was a huge surprise to be told I was getting the one millionth vaccination and I am very proud to have been that person.
Some big names have been helping with the effort.
England's deputy chief medical officer has previously helped out in Boston.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who's originally from the town, has spent several shifts vaccinating people at our local sites.
Last month, he gave players from his favourite team, Boston United, their jabs.
Earlier this month he praised the hard work of volunteers across Lincolnshire and Newark in their fight to vaccinate people across the county.
"I’ve been to quite a few vaccination centres now, different settings, slightly different ways of processing the patients, of moving people around to be efficient, but the common thing is that the staff are wonderful.
"Every one of them matters, from the car park attendants, through to the receptionists, the cleaners, as well as the clinical staff who are actually giving the vaccines.
"I think we’ll all, those of us who’ve taken part in the vaccination, are going to look back and say, you know, I was part of that and that’s going to be something very big one day."