Nearly one million first doses of Covid jab have now been given in Lancashire

Latest NHS figures released today, April 22, show that to date almost one million first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given out since the rollout first began in December.

Analysis of the data by the Post shows 901,025 first doses of the vaccine have now been given out to the population living in the Lancashire and South Cumbria area, as over 45s began called for their first dose last week.

The news follows the recent Government announcement that all over-50s in the country had been offered their first jab.

The news comes as Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria put out a tweet thanking their volunteers, along with NHS volunteers, the Lancashire Fire service and the Lancashire Resilience Forum for their efforts in giving out the jab in recent months.

Almost 65,000 people aged 45-49 have been given their first jab since they became the newest cohort of people to begin being vaccinated just last week.

And a total of 1,210,251 cumulative doses have been given out since the start of the programme in the county, with many of those including second doses.

Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria announced the take-up of the vaccine has been exceptionally strong; with five out of six people in the first nine priority groups have already chosen to take up the offer.

To mark the new milestone, the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine began being rolled out in England from April 13, as the third vaccine to be used alongside Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

And from this Monday, April 19, the Moderna vaccine was first used at the vaccination site at St John’s Shopping Centre in Preston.

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “Thanks to the thousands of people involved, and in particular, our volunteers, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria have now vaccinated more than 900,000 people and delivered over 1.2 million vaccinations which is such a brilliant achievement.

“If you’re eligible for the vaccine, please do book your appointment as soon as possible so that you can join the millions of others who are helping to protect themselves and others in the community.”

"NHS staff are still working hard to deliver the largest vaccination drive in history, at the same time as providing care for everyone who needs it. So, please play your part by not contacting the NHS to seek a vaccine if you are not eligible yet, you will be invited when it is your time.

"The Moderna rollout marks another milestone in the vaccination programme. We now have a third jab in our armoury to fight against Covid-19, and NHS staff will be using it at one of our largest and busiest sites, with more coming online as supplies expand.

"England’s vaccination programme is our hope at the end of a year like no other, so please do come forward and get your jab when you’re invited."

For people under 30 without health conditions, it is currently advised that it is preferable to have another Covid-19 vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine.