Over 1 million covid-19 vaccines given in Norfolk & Waveney
It comes as young people are encouraged to get the jab
More than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given out in Norfolk and Waveney since the start of the vaccination rollout in December.
According to data published today by NHS England and NHS Improvement 1,007,691 doses have been administered in the biggest vaccination drive in health service history.
The figures show that 74% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received their first dose, compared to 67% of adults in England. This puts us third out of the 42 health and care systems in England.
Some 45% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 38% of adults in England. This puts us fifth out of the 42 health and care systems.
In the week to 16 May, 59,261 doses were given of which 22,804 were first doses and 36,457 were second doses.
It comes as the NHS announces that people aged 34 and 35 can now book their life-saving COVID-19 jab, as the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history continues rolling out to people in their thirties.
Younger people in their thirties are expected to be invited over the next few days and weeks.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group said:
"The vaccination programme in Norfolk and Waveney is moving at speed. Our vaccination teams continue to work incredibly hard to protect patients from COVID-19. Please come forward for the jab once you get the offer - it could save your life and protect your loved ones."
She added that it is really important that younger people have the vaccination when it is offered to them as the disease can have serious implications for some.
She said:
"Younger people who have had COVID-19 are just as likely to develop long COVID symptoms.
"Having the vaccine will help protect people from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, reducing the chances of being affected by the virus longer term. You will also help protect others by having the jab."
Appointments can be booked through the national booking service by visiting nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or ringing 119.
If you can't find an appointment at a vaccination site close to where you live please keep checking the national booking system for the latest local vaccination slots as these are being regularly updated. Please do not contact your local GP practice. You will be contacted when it's the right time.