Over seven million vaccinations have now been given in the South West, but around 230,000 over 50s in the South West are yet to receive the life-saving Covid-19 vaccination – a number that equates to population of Plymouth.

Health bosses in the region are calling on those to protect themselves, their loved ones and their local community by booking a vaccination appointment today, using the online booking system, calling NHS 119 or attending a walk-in clinic in their area.

Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Medical Director, said:

“The biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS is now on the home straight but there is still work to do. “We have made fantastic progress but the call to come forward remains as important as it did in the early weeks of the vaccination programme.

“We need people to book their first appointment and subsequently ensure they receive both doses of the vaccine in order for them to gain the maximum protection and allow us to return to normal life as quickly as possible.”

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director of NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said:

“Over three million people in the region are now fully vaccinated and have received the maximum protection from the deadly infection.

“We need everyone else to play their part and get vaccinated so we can return to normal life – it never has been easier to book an appointment.”

Pharmacies across the region are opening their doors by holding walk in clinics where you can grab a jab without having to book an appointment.

Ade Williams, Lead Pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy and Bedminster Community Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic in Bristol said:

“If you have not had your jab yet, your local pharmacy is a convenient place to get it done. With pharmacies in both town centres and rural areas over 660,000 people living in the South West have had their vaccination in a pharmacy.

“We are also ever ready to answer any questions and discuss any concerns using our expert up to date knowledge.”

Details of pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations can be found here