Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the acceleration of the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Essex.
The United Kingdom is leading the way with its vaccination rollout, so far 5 million doses have been administered to over 4.6 million people. Only two countries have delivered more doses than the United Kingdom – China and the USA.
Already in Mid and South Essex, 80,211 vaccinations have been administered, as part of plans to vaccinate the top 4 priority groups by mid-February. In the East of England, 377,552 people have received a vaccine, with 429,864 doses administered in total across the area.
The Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan sets out how it aims to administer 2 million doses of vaccines 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 80s and care home residents have received a vaccine.
On top of this, the Government is opening up new vaccination sites every day as part of their Vaccine Delivery Plan to ensure everyone is within 10 miles of a vaccination centre. 65 pharmacy sites are joining the programme this week and early next week with more to come.
Additional information for Mid and South Essex can be found here.
Stephen Metcalfe: “The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in our country’s history, has got off to an excellent start thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of those involved.
“It is fantastic to see that so many people in my area have received the vaccine as we lead the world in our fight back against coronavirus. I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months - and I urge everyone to do the same when they get the call up.”
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said: Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and this historic rollout 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 five 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.”
