The local NHS is marking the one-year anniversary of delivering Covid-19 vaccinations to the public by thanking those involved in the programme and encouraging unvaccinated people to get protected.

Wednesday (8^th December) marks the one-year anniversary since the first vaccination was delivered in our area and since then more than 1.7 million vaccinations have been administered in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

One year on from the start of the programme and 83 per cent of over 18s have now received two doses of the life-saving jab.  Booster doses are now being delivered to all over 40s at more than 50 sites across the city and county.

One of the first people to receive a jab in the county was former NHS worker, 82 year old Ann Allen from Sutton in Ashfield who received her first Covid-19 vaccination on Tuesday 8 December 2020 at King’s Mill Hospital’s Vaccination Hub.

She said: “I feel very privileged to have been part of the vaccine history in Nottinghamshire, I can’t believe it has been a whole year since I had my first vaccine. I have now also had my booster and I am so grateful to have been protected, as it has given me the confidence to see more of my family and friends, as I spent much of 2020 isolating and keeping safe whilst I was unvaccinated. I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of the vaccine efforts, it really has made a huge difference.

“I would encourage others to get the booster vaccine when they can to help protect themselves and their family, especially before Christmas.” 

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “The huge effort of NHS staff and volunteers over the last year has been exceptional and I would like to thank every single person involved in the delivery of the vaccination programme over the last year. It has been a tough year and I am grateful for the public’s support as we have worked hard to vaccinate as many people as possible.

“There are still many people who are not fully vaccinated – or vaccinated at all and I want to say that we have proof that the vaccine protects us from becoming seriously ill from the virus and we know it is the best possible protection to you and your family. It is not too late to make sure you get protected. There is a vaccine waiting for you at our sites.”

Tim Guyler, Assistant Chief Executive and Exec Lead for NUH Covid Vaccination Programme, added: “I would like to pay tribute to our staff, volunteers and communities.  Together, we have all played a valuable part in ensuring a large proportion of adults across the city and county have been able to receive two jabs and a booster.  

“This has been a huge undertaking; it has been a year of hard work, of quick mobilisation and strong coordination. I thank the close cooperation of partner agencies and health organisations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

“Whilst we are marking a year since the first jab was delivered, we are still in the pandemic and our work is not yet finished.  I encourage all who are eligible for a booster to book when it is your time. I also say to those who are not yet vaccinated that it is not too late.

“You can still book at one of the sites across the city and county and you will be doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones and others in the communities we all live and work in.”

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Executive Lead for Vaccinations, Clare Teeney said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our colleagues and volunteers who have worked so hard to make the vaccination programme a success across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

“We continue to work together to play a valuable part in getting our community vaccinated and it is testament to the hard work of our colleagues that we have managed to vaccinate as many people as possible within our communities. We continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to take up the offer of a booster vaccination if you are eligible.

“We know this virus has not gone away and we will continue to work hard to offer the vaccine and booster to help protect as many people as possible. Thank you to those who have already come forward to have your vaccine and booster to help protect yourselves and your loved ones this winter.” 

There are a number of sites across the city and county delivering booster vaccine. The public can book an appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119.