Nearly three quarters of Swindon adults DOUBLE jabbed against COVID
New figures have been released
Last updated 6th Sep 2021
Almost three out of four Swindon residents, who are eligible for a Coronavirus vaccine, have now received two doses.
The Borough Council also claims more than 84% of eligible people across the town have been administered at least one jab.
Swindon's Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern, has given his reaction to Greatest Hits Radio.
"The programme for Swindon, but also for the UK, has been phenomenal and very very effective.
"There's still a small proportion of our population that hasn't chosen to vaccinate yet, but we will continue to promote the vaccine programme, and access to information about it, so those individuals can make an informed choice," he said.
The new figures come as it was revealed that residents aged over 12, with severely weakened immune systems, are now being contacted about getting a third COVID jab.
Around half a million people across the UK will be eligible for the extra dose, including those with advanced HIV, leukaemia and recent organ transplants.
The recommendation, made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, is separate from a potential booster programme that would cover a larger proportion of the population.
With thousands of people still awaiting their first and/or second vaccines across Swindon, there are some fears that rolling-out third doses could lead to the local programme becoming overstretched.
However, Mr Maddern said there is sufficient capacity for everyone to get the jabs they need.
'The NHS has worked phenomenally hard'
"Within our healthcare system, the NHS has worked phenomenally hard and (in Swindon) delivered well over a million vaccines since mid-December.
"We know that we've effectively vaccinated the majority of our adult population, but not all of that population will then be eligible for further vaccine.
"So I believe that does create the capacity in the system, to allow for people to continue to have their first, second and third doses as appropriate," he added.