More than five million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given in the North West in less than five months, latest figures show.

The region reached the latest significant milestone over the weekend, with figures published today (Monday, 26 April) showing a total of 5,049,333 first and second doses of the vaccine have been given since the NHS vaccination programme launched on 8 December, 2020.

People aged 44 are being invited from today to book their Covid-19 jab as the national vaccine programme, the biggest and fastest in its history, continues at pace.

Regional Director of Commissioning om the North West, Dr Linda Charles Ozuzu, said: “The NHS in the North West has hit yet another significant milestone with more than five million people in our communities vaccinated in less than five months – this is testament to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers involved.

“As we now start to vaccinate people in the next age group, I’d encourage everyone to book their jab when they are invited to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“I’d also like to remind anyone invited earlier in the programme who hasn’t had their first dose yet that it’s not too late to book their vaccine.”

In the North West, more vaccination sites are due to be opened in the coming weeks in a range of community settings, where people can access a vaccine and maintain safe social distancing for their first and second doses.

NHS staff, partners and volunteers from across the region celebrated the five million dose milestone with a series of photographs and quotes for social media.

Lucy Ellis (pictured right), Clinical Site Manager at Blackburn Cathedral vaccination centre, said “As much as it sounds strange, a tiny needle has given us so much hope and everyone is starting to feel more positive and able to look forward to the rest of this year. I can’t believe we’ve given five million doses, it’s amazing.”

Jordyn Cowell (pictured left), from Burnley Shopping Centre vaccination centre said she and her team were, “Proud to play our part and making history in the process.”

The vaccination team at Blackpool Victoria (pictured right), including Helena Palin and Vikki Priest, said they were “proud to be a small part of a huge effort to protect the people of the North West” and the incredible feeling of “Seeing the relief on someone’s face when they’ve had their vaccine and what it means to them”

Dr Yasara Naheed, Clinical Director of Burnley East Primary Care Network (pictured right) said: “We have survived because communities have supported each other during this really difficult time. We ar

e proud to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to our residents.”

People who have received a letter or text inviting them to book their vaccine can log on to the national booking service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination and choose from 11 large scale vaccination centres or 38 pharmacy led sites across the North West.

Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.