Covid vaccination rates progress as health chiefs urge eligible patients to come forward for first dose

Some patients in their 20's and 30's with GP surgeries in Poulton and Thornton received their first dose of the Covid vaccine on Saturday (March 27), after receiving an invitation by text from their GP.

One patient in their 30's, who received their first jab at the Civic Centre on Saturday, said they were unaware they were eligible - until they were contacted by their GP due to asthmatic episodes during childhood.

Anyone currently being invited for a jab under the age of 50 is eligible due to falling into one of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's priority cohort groups.

The vaccine rollout continues at a good pace across the county, as almost 800,000 people in both Lancashire and South Cumbria have now received their first dose.

But the county's vaccination boss is calling for anyone aged 50 to 69 still waiting for their first dose to come forward before April 15 - when vaccine supplies will become more constrained.

Jane Scattergood, Lancashire and South Cumbria Covid-19 vaccination director, said: "The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has now vaccinated almost 800,000 people which is an unbelievable achievement by NHS staff who have continued to work at speed.

“At the same time as increasing second doses week on week, the NHS is reaching out to those 50-69 year-olds who haven’t yet taken up the offer to be vaccinated.

“If you are one of those people yet to book a first dose, please come forward and get your life-saving Covid-19 vaccine which will not only protect you but those around you.”

Patients are also being asked not to forget about having their second dose of the vaccine.

The NHS has been inviting those eligible for a jab by letter or text, with GPs also calling some patients.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’ and letters include a web link to click and reserve an appointment at one of more than 300 large-scale vaccination centres or pharmacies across England.

Eligible patients will continue to be contacted by their GP throughout April for their first dose.