Vaccination teams across Gloucestershire have been widely praised after yet another major COVID-19 vaccination milestone was surpassed today in the county.

Over 300,000 doses have now been given with vaccination teams making rapid progress this week.

Gloucestershire has been at the vanguard of the vaccination programme with the bulk of public vaccinations carried out through a network of 10 GP led Primary Care Network Centres and associated mobile services.

Local GP services are currently contacting and vaccinating people aged 50 and over, people with underlying health conditions and carers.

The GP Primary Care Network centres and services are also carrying out, and scheduling, appointments for 2nd doses.

Clinical Chair of NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Andy Seymour said:

“What we have seen from the local vaccination teams this week has been nothing short of phenomenal and a herculean effort.

They have shown great resilience and determination over recent months and are working tirelessly to keep patients safe.

They remain committed to the programme and stand ready, with the infrastructure in place, to vaccinate as many residents as possible, as quickly as possible.”

The NHS is politely requesting that residents in the next priority age groups do not call their GP surgeries at this time. Local GP services will contact them when it is their turn to be vaccinated.

Professor Steve Hams, Chief Nurse at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Responsible Officer for the Gloucestershire COVID-19 Vaccination programme said:

“This truly is One Gloucestershire at its very best. All of our vaccination teams working in local communities and in our large hospitals are driven by protecting their patients and it’s awe inspiring to see to what lengths they are prepared to go.

This determination and passion is shared by the fantastic support staff and wonderful volunteers across the length and breadth of the county who continue to put their fellow residents and communities first.”

Some residents in the top priority groups have chosen to access vaccination services from local pharmacy locations and large out of county vaccination centres (depending on where they live) through the national booking system.