Every person in the top four priority groups in Salisbury and Wiltshire has been offered a dose of a Covid vaccine.

According to the local CCG, which also includes Bath, North East Somerset and Swindon, more than 220,000 people have received the first injection from one of the 27 clinics up and running across the region.

The NHS-led vaccination programme will now begin contacting people aged between 65 and 69 and anyone aged between 16 and 64 with an underlying health condition.

As part of this phase, GPs have been asked to offer the jabs to all clinically vulnerable patients, while people aged 65 and over will, in the first instance, be invited by the NHS to book an appointment at one of the vaccination centres.

A 'phenomenal' effort

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG said: "To have reached such a milestone in the space of just eight weeks is completely phenomenal, and I applaud every single person who has helped to make this possible.

"However, while it is hugely important for us to take time to reflect on how far we’ve come, we must keep our momentum going to make sure we have vaccinated all adults by the autumn.

"A vast number of people continue to wait patiently to be vaccinated, and I hope that each and every person who is contacted over the next few weeks takes up the vaccination offer without hesitation."

Not everyone has received the jab

The Government had pledged to offer the first dose of a Covid vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups by mid February.

Although locally the target has been met, it doesn't mean everyone in those groups have been vaccinated.

People who are ill or Covid positive have to wait longer to receive the jab.

Others may have not responded to the invite because they have moved away or don't want to get the jab.

But for those who are eligible and yet to be vaccinated, it is not too late.

Mrs May added: "If you are in the initial group of people and, for whatever reason, still haven’t taken up the offer to be vaccinated, it isn’t too late.

"Please get in touch with the NHS and book an appointment." 

While the vaccination programme continues, people are asked to carry on following the latest government guidance around social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing.

Apart from those aged over 70 or classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, people are advised not to contact the NHS regarding their coronavirus vaccination appointment, as people will be contacted in priority order.

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