Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has praised the acceleration of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out – as the latest data released today shows more than 5 million jabs have been administered across the UK.
In the South West, a total of 467,170 doses have been given to 415,087 people as part of the government’s plan to vaccinate the top four priority groups by mid-February.
So far, a total of 98,234 doses have been administered in Devon, 79,743 in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, 68,693 in Dorset, 65,026 in Gloucestershire, 63,293 in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, 46,468 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and 45,713 in Somerset.
The vaccination efforts have been aided by the opening of new pharmacy sites across the region – the latest being Arnolds Pharmacy at Westward Ho! Baptist Church in North Devon, Locking Pharmacy in Weston-super-Mare, Wallisdown Pharmacy in Poole, The Grove Pharmacy in Christchurch, Boots in Gloucester and Superdrug in Broadmead, Bristol.
Mr Hancock said: “Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and this historic roll–out will cover every corner of the country.
“Community pharmacists have been phenomenal and will have a pivotal role to play in the continued expansion of the programme.
“Through the UK vaccine delivery plan, over 4 million people have already received their jab.
“From hospitals to pharmacies, sports clubs to places of worship – we’re making sure the vaccine is as accessible as possible.
“In the meantime, it is vital everyone continues to play their part in this national effort by staying at home to protect the NHS.”
