Full breakdown of how many people have had covid vaccine in Sunderland so far

NHS chiefs have sent their thanks to everyone playing a part the largest vaccination programme in the service’s history.

Yesterday, the Government announced across the country that the top four priority groups have been vaccinated or offered a vaccine, with more than 15 million inoculated with their first dose.

In Sunderland, the NHS says uptake is particularly successful, with more than 60,000 vaccines given so far.

So far the following have had the first dose of the vaccine;

- All eligible care home patients

- Over 94% of over 80-year-olds

- Over 95% of 75 to 79-year-olds

- Over 85% of 70 to 74-year-olds

- 71% of shielding patients with underlying health conditions

The remaining patients have all been offered the vaccine – the reasons why they have not taken up the vaccine have not been revealed by Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Dr Neil O’Brien, its clinical accountable officer, said: “Reaching this milestone sends a message of hope to our communities and I give my thanks to all of our local health professionals and volunteers who have made this happen.

“We still have some way to go but the sheer will to protect our communities and help us all to bring back a sense of normality remains strong.”

Dr Ian Pattison, a GP and clinical chairman of the CCG, said: “Local health services and its partners worked at lightning speed to deliver a complex vaccination programme in a really short space of time.

"The dedication I have seen first-hand from our staff and all of the other volunteers involved, has been inspiring and I’m so proud to be a part of that.”

Ann Fox, its executive director of nursing, quality and safety added: “As a vaccinator at the Sunderland Royal Hospital, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many front line staff who work in a variety of roles supporting the vaccine delivery, as well as delivering direct care to patients.

"They were all so very grateful and relieved to receive the vaccine.

“I thank everyone involved and am humbled to be amongst such amazing people.”

GPs continue to remind people that for communities to be fully protected, it is important everyone continues to follow the stay safe rules and have a vaccination when called for.

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