Over 46,000 coronavirus vaccines given across Cornwall so far
But a Cornish MP is warning there is no room for complacency
It has been revealed that over 46,000 coronavirus vaccines have been dished out across Cornwall.
That is according to the latest official data, up until Sunday 17th January.
The Health Secretary has praised the acceleration of the roll out across the South West, where there has been close to half a million jabs given.
Across the region, a total of 467,170 doses have been given to 415,087 people as part of the government’s plan to vaccinate the top four priority groups by mid-February.
The data covers seven health areas across the region, known as Integrated Care Systems (ICS) or Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STP).
So far, a total of 98,234 doses have been administered in Devon, 79,743 in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, 68,693 in Dorset, 65,026 in Gloucestershire, 63,293 in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, 46,468 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and 45,713 in Somerset.
But St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double warns there is no room for complacency.
“These figures today are excellent news and a real tribute to the hard work of our Hospital staff, GP Practices and volunteers across Cornwall that are working to administer the vaccine. This is the biggest vaccination programme in our nation’s history and it is pleasing to see the positive progress being made locally.
“My thanks goes to everyone who is playing a part. The rate of vaccination is expected to increase as more vaccines become available and more vaccination hubs open across the Duchy, and I am confident that we will remain on schedule to reach all those in these four priority groups by the middle of February.
“While these figures are promising and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I must remind everyone that in order to stay safe, take pressure off the NHS and save lives, we must continue to do all we can to follow the rules and stop of the spread of the virus while allowing those running the vaccination programme to do their vital work.
Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay
So far, more than 5 million vaccinations have been administered to 4.6 million people across the UK – the fourth highest figure per capita in the world behind only Bahrain, the UAE and Israel.
Only two countries have administered more doses than the UK – China and the USA.
The government’s vaccine delivery plan is the biggest such programme in British history.
The aim is to administer 2 million doses a week by the end of January, as well as offering vaccines to every elderly care home resident by the end of the month.
So far, more than half of those over 80 and care home residents have received a vaccine.
On top of this, the government says it is opening new vaccination sites every day to ensure everyone is within 10 miles of such a centre.
A total of 65 pharmacy sites are joining the programme this week and early next week, with more to come.
“Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and this historic roll-out will cover every corner of the country.
“Community pharmacists have been phenomenal and will have a pivotal role to play in the continued expansion of the programme.
“Through the UK vaccine delivery plan, over 4 million people have already received their jab.
“From hospitals to pharmacies, sports clubs to places of worship – we’re making sure the vaccine is as accessible as possible.
“In the meantime, it is vital everyone continues to play their part in this national effort by staying at home to protect the NHS.”
Matt Hancock, Health Secretary