Greater Manchester reaches 6 million Covid vaccines landmark

Greater Manchester’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is celebrating this week, with the combined total of first, second, booster and spring booster doses given in the city-region hitting 6 million.

Across GP-led venues, pharmacies, hospital hubs and the Greater Manchester Vaccination Centre, vaccinators have met the impressive tally over the past 19 months:

· First: 2,185,960

· Second: 2,046,818

· Booster:1,559,214

· Spring booster: 209,146

And while the majority of adults in Greater Manchester are fully vaccinated, clinics still have plenty of takers for boosters - and some are still having their first or second jab.

All are keen to maximise their protection against the worst effects of the virus which continues to spread.

An autumn Covid-19 vaccination programme for eligible people is being planned, with GPs and pharmacies stepping in to deliver millions more jabs.

Jane Pilkington, director of population health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “We’re delighted to have hit the 6 million vaccinations mark in Greater Manchester and this is testament to an incredible and sustained effort from an army of staff and volunteers.

“Even after 19 months, we have hundreds of people booking or walking into our vaccine clinics every day; some might be getting their first ever dose, we’ve got people coming in for spring boosters and we’ve got lots of families turning up together to get everyone up to date with their doses.

“With Covid-19 rates high at the moment, people are keen to get themselves and their families protected as much as possible.

"We want to remind people that if they or any family member is due a Covid-19 vaccine, there will be a clinic nearby ready to give the jab.”

Here’s a reminder of who’s eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine:

For children aged 5-15

A 1st dose of the vaccine is available for children from the day they turn 5, and a second dose 12 weeks after their first.

Everyone aged 16 and over

People aged 16 and over are eligible for two doses of vaccine and a booster.

The booster is available three months (91 days) after the second dose

People aged 75 and over

Many older people have received a fourth dose, known as a ‘spring booster’.

If you are eligible and have not yet received this vaccination, speak to your GP for further advice.

Special arrangements including booster doses are in place for children and adults with weakened immune systems.

Check local details of local walk-in sites at: www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab or book an appointment online here

Further details on specific vaccine sites can be found here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.