NHS marks one-year anniversary of COVID vaccine campaign with special tribute to staff, pharmacies and volunteers
| The NHS in the Midlands is marking the one-year anniversary of the COVID vaccine rollout by paying tribute to the monumental effort of staff, pharmacies and volunteers who have delivered over 18 million vaccinations across the Midlands since the campaign began on 8 December 2020.
A year on, cases of the new COVID variant, Omicron, show that it has never been more important for those in newly eligible groups to come forward as soon as they are eligible for the top up protection against the virus. The NHS is also reminding people in the Midlands that it is never too late to get a first or second jab.
The biggest vaccine campaign in NHS history began in the Midlands exactly one-year ago at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, as 91-year-old grandmother Maggie Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 jab following its clinical approval. “It was such a privilege and an honour to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19, everything went by in a blur. I’m not sure it will ever truly sink in,” said Maggie. “The staff at University Hospital, Coventry showed me such wonderful care and compassion and I am so pleased to have remained friends with May since that day. “Getting the vaccine gave me so much more confidence to go out to places. It’s saving lives, protecting those around us and is helping the NHS, so what more can I say – go for it, go and have it done.” Since then, the NHS in the Midlands has delivered almost 8 million first doses, over 7 million second doses, and over 3 million top-up doses. People have been vaccinated at over 640 Midlands locations including hospital hubs, vaccination centres, community pharmacies and GP-led sites. Alison Tonge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said: “The world watched on last December as Maggie Keenan became the first globally to get a COVID-19 vaccine and, since then, more than 86% of the population in England have had two doses. “I would like to thank all the NHS staff, pharmacies and every single one of the volunteers who have been working at speed and playing such a vital role in delivering over 18 million life-saving jabs to people in Midlands communities. Volunteers who have stepped forward from all walks of life have been invaluable to the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Their determination and dedication to help protect the most vulnerable should be applauded. “While it is fantastic to look back on the achievements of the last year, we still have a long way to go with the vaccine campaign. The emergence of the new variant, Omicron, shows that this pandemic is far from over. So, with Christmas around the corner, getting jabbed is the best shot we have to keep the region going forwards in our collective COVID battle. “More sites are delivering jabs across the region, including in schools, pharmacies, hospital hubs and walk-in sites as we deliver thousands of first and second doses, boosters and third doses every day. “I would remind everyone who has yet to have their first, second or third jab that it is never too late to get your lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination – the offer from the NHS is evergreen. “Your vaccine has a name on it, it is for you, and it is an evergreen offer. Vaccination provides powerful protection against severe illness with COVID-19 so getting the jab is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Boosters are also vital to maintain a high level of protection because the vaccine starts to ‘wear off’ as time goes by.” Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The rollout of the COVID vaccine across the West Midlands over the past year has been truly astonishing, and I have been left in awe at the determination and dedication of the NHS staff and volunteers in our region who have worked tirelessly to protect us all during the pandemic. Without their efforts, many more people across the West Midlands would have tragically lost their lives to this truly awful virus. “But there is still such a long way to go in the battle against Coronavirus, and vaccinations remain the single best defence. To anyone who hasn’t yet had their first, second, or third dose, the NHS is ready and waiting for you. It could protect you from severe illness, and save your family from losing a loved one.” People can get their vaccine by booking online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119, and GP practices are also inviting those who are eligible. Boosters can be booked a month before a person becomes eligible, which means they can get their top up jab as soon as they reach the six-month mark. There are more places delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies, GP practices and other community sites, meaning the vast majority of people live within 10 miles of a fixed vaccination clinic. Key milestones of the vaccine campaign in the Midlands
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