Oldham vaccinates more than 50,000 residents
Date published: 16 February 2021
The first vaccination in Oldham
Oldham has delivered over 50,000 doses of the Coronavirus vaccine
The borough surpassed the milestone in the same week over-65s become eligible for the vaccination following last week’s national announcement.
People within the top four priority groups have been receiving their first doses of the vaccine since the middle of December, including care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers, the clinically extremely vulnerable and those aged 70 and over.
So far 90% of residents over the age of 80 have received their first jab, alongside 91% of 75-year-olds and 81% of those aged 70+ and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
The total number of care home residents to have had their first dose is 1,126 (81%).
More than 2,953 registered patients across Oldham have also had their second dose, with more residents due to receive their additional jab over the coming weeks.
Local GP and Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for the borough and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone across the health community who has played their part in getting us to this stage.
"I am so proud of what we have achieved in such a small amount of time and to say we are where we are – during the NHS’s biggest ever vaccination programme in unprecedented times – is a truly incredible achievement.
"What makes this even better is knowing our elderly residents and the most vulnerable in our society now have the protection they need against this potentially life-threatening virus and that we can now rollout this programme further to our over 65s.
"I know the waiting game is hard for those who are eager to be vaccinated, but please be patient for now and wait for your turn and to those who are now eligible, I urge you all to take up this offer and protect yourselves.
"The vaccination programme is key to protecting you from this terrible virus and is crucial if we are all to return to our normal lives as soon as we possibly can."
Oldham has six vaccinations centres across the borough, including ones in Failsworth, Royton and Moorside, while residents are also being invited for their vaccinations at Greater Manchester’s Mass Vaccination Centre which is based at the Etihad campus.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for COVID-19 response, added: "Every time a resident receives a vaccination, we are taking another step towards normality.
"But it is really important to remember that our journey is far from over, even with the vaccine, and for us to get back to way things were, we must ensure that we all continue to follow the guidance.
"I want to say a personal thanks to everyone who has played their part throughout the last 12 months as I know the sacrifices haven’t been easy but if we keep on doing what we’re doing, and have the vaccine when the time comes, that light at end of that tunnel will only get brighter for us all.”
Residents aged 70 or over, or who are in the clinically extremely vulnerable category are reminded to contact the NHS if they haven’t yet been offered their first dose of the vaccine.
Appointments can be booked via nhs.uk or by calling 119.
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