Almost 2 million vaccinations given out in a year
The figures are for vaccines across Leicestershire and Rutland
On the 1st anniversary of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), the local NHS is marking its incredible success.
The first person to be vaccinated against the virus in LLR received the life-saving vaccine on 12 December 2020, at the Leicester General Hospital. A year on, nearly 2 million Covid vaccines have been given to people in LLR, saving countless lives and reducing pressure on the NHS.
In a message to NHS staff, Andy Williams, Chief Executive of the LLR CCGs, Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Angela Hillery, Chief Executive of Leicestershire Partnership Trust said: “Over the last year, thanks to your support, we’ve achieved incredible things and come so far in helping life feel a little more normal.
“During that time, thanks to you, we’ve collectively delivered close to an astonishing 2million doses of the life-saving vaccine across LLR.
“We know the ask has been significant and the task often relentless. Thank you for how you’ve adapted and done your bit for our communities.
“Whether you’ve been involved a little or a lot, we simply could not have done it without you. So, from all of us, thank you so much.”
Today, across the 27 vaccination sites in LLR, anniversary cakes are being delivered to staff as a small gesture for their selflessness, humility and dedication over the past year.
From administering the vaccine, greeting and directing patients, overseeing the logistical challenge, performing any of the other countless vital roles, or simply taking on additional responsibilities to allow others to focus on the delivery of the programme, NHS staff continue to be key to the vaccination programme.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the largest in British history and was established at unprecedented speed thanks to effective partnership working across the local health system. Vaccine centres were set up rapidly across LLR at GP practices, Leicester’s Hospitals’ sites, community pharmacies, local leisure and community centres, places of worship and other local venues.
Today, military personnel have also been drafted in to support deployment of vaccines, with extra pop-up sites opening in convenient locations across LLR.
Everyone over the age of 18 who had their second dose at least 3 months ago will be able to book an appointment for their booster jab from this week. Younger age groups will be invited by the NHS in order of age in due course.
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