Five million vaccine doses given in the North West

More than five million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given in the North West in less than five months, latest figures show.

The region reached the latest significant milestone over the weekend, with figures published showing a total of 5,049,333 first and second doses of the vaccine have been given since the NHS vaccination programme launched on 8 December, 2020.

People aged 42 and over are now being invited to book their Covid-19 jab as the national vaccine programme, the biggest and fastest in its history, continues at pace.

More vaccination sites due to be opened

Regional Director of Commissioning om the North West, Dr Linda Charles Ozuzu, said: “The NHS in the North West has hit yet another significant milestone with more than five million people in our communities vaccinated in less than five months – this is testament to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers involved.

“As we now start to vaccinate people in the next age group, I’d encourage everyone to book their jab when they are invited to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“I’d also like to remind anyone invited earlier in the programme who hasn’t had their first dose yet that it’s not too late to book their vaccine.”

In the North West, more vaccination sites are due to be opened in the coming weeks in a range of community settings, where people can access a vaccine and maintain safe social distancing for their first and second doses.