As the NHS marks the second anniversary of the biggest vaccination campaign in its history, new figures reveal more than 21 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to people in the North East and Yorkshire.

Over the past two years NHS vaccination teams have delivered more than 143 million Covid vaccine doses in England – 21.6 million (15%) of these at vaccination centres, walk-in clinics and pop-up locations in this region. The ground-breaking vaccination campaign began when West Midlands grandmother Maggie Keenan became the first person to receive a Covid-19 jab on 8 December 2020.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “The unparalleled success of the life-saving NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, which began exactly two years ago when the NHS administered the first Covid vaccine in the world outside a clinical trial, has been the single most important reason we have been able to get back to a pre-pandemic way of life.”

The phenomenal response of people in our region to get protection for themselves and those around them from the Covid virus continues, with more than 2.6 million people in the North East and Yorkshire coming forward since early September for their autumn booster jabs, NHS figures also show.

Welcoming the positive response to the autumn booster vaccine from over-50s, those with a weakened immune system and housebound people, pregnant women, health and social care workers, and carers, Dr Yvette Oade, NHS Regional Medical Director for North East and Yorkshire (pictured), said: “NHS Vaccination teams in our region have delivered more than 2.6 million autumn booster vaccines since the campaign began in September, providing crucial protection against Covid to those at greatest risk from the virus, and helping to reduce the number of people in hospitals.

“Getting your winter Covid-19 booster can stop you getting seriously ill and speed up your recovery if you catch the virus. Covid can be serious, especially if you have a long-term health condition, a weakened immune system or are pregnant.

“Protection from the vaccine fades over time, which is why many people are being offered another booster dose. But this booster is the first to contain targeted protection against the Omicron strain of Covid-19 which has caused most of the cases in 2022. So please come forward when offered yours.”

Many NHS vaccination sites are open in the evenings and at weekends which is perfect for fitting your Covid-19 vaccine appointment into a busy schedule.

Meanwhile, vaccination teams in our region have also delivered almost 2.9 million flu vaccinations to protect eligible groups against the virus this winter, NHS figures show.

Dr Oade added: “As temperatures drop and we move into winter when Covid and other respiratory viruses are expected to be even more prevalent, it remains vital anyone who needs their flu and Covid-19 jabs comes forward and books as soon as possible.”

People aged 50 and over can book their Covid jabs using the National Booking Service or by phoning 119. In many areas there are walk-in sites. The flu jab is being offered at participating community pharmacies and GP practices.

• The NHS Evergreen vaccination offer to anyone who hasn’t yet received their first Covid jab is still available and people unvaccinated against the virus are encouraged to come forward where they will be welcomed by vaccination teams. Find out how your winter vaccinations can help keep you safe at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations