Steam passes 400,000 covid jab milestone

Steam, which has been used as a large vaccination centre since the Covid-19 vaccine first became available in December 2020, has now given out more than 400,000 jabs.

As of Friday, 17 June, the exact vaccination total for the Swindon venue stood at an impressive 401,252.

According to NHS chiefs these numbers, combined with data collected from other vaccination sites, show that more than 78 per cent of all people in Swindon have had a first covid vaccine, and more than 73 per cent have received a second.

Across the whole of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire NHS region, more than 80 per cent of all eligible people have so far had at least one coronavirus vaccine, with more than three quarters – 77 per cent – having received two doses.

Paul Miles, Operations Manager at the Steam vaccine centre, said: “To reach 400,000 vaccinations is an incredible achievement, and a testament to not only the enormous efforts of our staff and volunteers, but also the strong desire from local people to get protected against Covid-19.

“At every stage of the vaccination programme, we have strived to make getting the vaccine as easy and as stress-free as possible, with our teams often working long hours across evenings and weekends to get the job done.

“Although most people have now had the vaccine, we remain open for those who have yet to come forward, as well as for those groups, such as the over-75s and people with a weakened immune system, who are due a second booster dose.

“The Steam Museum currently has really good appointment availability, so anybody in need of their first or second dose, as well as their booster jab, can book online and have their vaccination without delay.”

Since December of 2020, vaccination teams across the region have pulled out all the stops to deliver 2.2m jabs.

Included in that total are more than 800,000 first doses, around 760,000 second doses and approximately 630,000 booster vaccines.

More than 83,000 of the most vulnerable people in the region have had a second booster dose, which means around 80 per cent of all who are eligible for this top-up vaccine have come forward.

Outside Swindon, vaccinations continue to be available from a range of locations, including Bath Racecourse and Salisbury City Hall.

A number of more local sites, including community pharmacies and GP practices, are also providing a vaccination service.

People can identify their nearest vaccination site as well as book an appointment www.nhs.uk">via www.nhs.uk

More information on the local rollout of the vaccine, including an extensive list of frequently asked questions, can be found by visiting www.nhs.uk">www.bswccg.nhs.uk