In Sheffield over 260k people have received their first dose of a COVID vaccine and everyone in the top nine priority groups has been invited.

This week the UK hit its deadline three days early for vaccinating the highest priority groups by the 15 April; more than 32 million people have been given a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 19 out of 20 people aged 50 and over have been vaccinated.

In line with national progress, Sheffield’s vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength; every patient in Sheffield who is currently eligible for vaccination has been invited with over half having received their first dose - this includes over 90% of people aged over 50.

Dr Terry Hudsen, GP and NHS Sheffield CCG Chair said: “Vaccinations are one of the most effective public health interventions available and this vaccine will save thousands of lives; I am so pleased that we are at a point of having offered the coronavirus vaccine to those who are most vulnerable to suffering serious effects from COVID.   

“If you’re in a priority group and haven’t had your first dose of a vaccine yet, it’s really important that you take up the offer, being vaccinated gives you the best protection from becoming seriously ill if you contract COVID.

“Second doses are equally as important, don’t delay when you’re invited for an appointment – you need both doses for the highest levels of protection.”

Those due for a second dose will typically be invited at week 11. Out of the 262k people vaccinated in Sheffield, 72k have now received a second dose too.

Alun Windle, Chief Nurse and COVID Vaccination Lead at NHS Sheffield CCG said: “It’s fantastic that the UK has reached this milestone and that our vaccination programme in Sheffield has been successful in offering vaccination to everyone in the top priority groups.

“We’ve worked hard to achieve this and want to thank everyone who has been vaccinated so far for helping us to protect each other.

“We’re looking forward to being able to offer the vaccine to more people as we continue to progress with the programme, people over 45 will begin to be invited next.”

If you are in an eligible group – meaning you are 45 or over, have a health condition that puts you at greater risk, or are a health or social care worker – and you haven’t booked your first dose yet, the time to do so is right now. It’s quick and simple to book at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.

If you are aged over 50, you have a health condition that means you’re eligible for vaccination or you’re a health and care worker, and you haven’t been vaccinated or cannot get an appointment through national booking system, speak to your GP surgery.