The Midlands has become the first region in the country to deliver over 23 million lifesaving COVID-19 vaccinations as the region continues to lead the way in the rollout of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.

People have been vaccinated at over 640 Midlands locations including football stadiums, hospital hubs, vaccination centres, community pharmacies and GP-led sites.

Over 8.3 million people in the Midlands have received their first dose, 7.7 million their second dose, 6.1 million a third dose and over 880,000 people have now had a Spring Booster.

The biggest vaccine campaign in NHS history began right here in the Midlands at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, as 92-year-old grandmother Maggie Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 jab following its clinical approval.

Recent research from the UK Health Security Agency has showed that the NHS booster programme has helped prevent around 186,000 hospitalisations since mid-December.

Meanwhile, a report from the National Audit Office has said the NHS vaccination programme met “stretching and unprecedented targets” as it helped save lives and reduce hospital admissions – all while making effective use of public money.

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“The record rollout of the NHS vaccination programme in the Midlands has been a monumental achievement that has been made possible by the outstanding hard work and commitment of NHS staff, pharmacists and volunteers. I would like to thank each and everyone of them for their unique contribution in protecting the lives of so many people in the Midlands.

“It has been brilliant to see so many coming forward for their all-important Spring Booster. The wall of defence provided by vaccines is allowing us to live with this virus and get back to doing the things we’ve missed.

“It’s never too late for anyone to have their vaccine.  Across the Midlands there is an ‘evergreen’ offer for COVID-19 vaccinations meaning anyone who has not yet been vaccinated is able to come forward at any time to start their vaccinations.”

Spring booster jab appointments can be booked quickly and conveniently on the NHS website and people that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Hundreds of sites in the Midlands including community pharmacies, vaccination centres and hospital hubs are offering spring boosters to those most vulnerable to coronavirus. Local NHS teams are also offering vaccinations in care homes with hundreds of visits taking place.