Volunteers helping to deliver covid vaccines to Swindon people have been thanked by NHS chiefs.
Volunteers from throughout the region have played an integral part of the local vaccination programme, with thousands having come forward to offer their time and energy ever since the first lifesaving vaccine was given in December 2020.
Staff and volunteers from other vaccination centres have been given commemorative pin badges, highighting their key role in the lifesaving vaccination programme.
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “A year ago, all of our lives were still being dominated by the continual threat of covid-19, and it was only with the help of our generous volunteers that we were able to persevere and come out the other side with the vast majority of the local population fully vaccinated.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to everyone who has donated their time to help the vaccine programme, especially all those who cancelled their Christmas and New Year plans at the last minute to help us deliver the booster vaccination at speed and turn the tide on the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
“Although covid-19 is not making headlines in the way it once was, the virus is still present in our communities, which is why it’s still so important for people to get vaccinated if they haven’t already, and for people who are eligible to do so to top up their immunity with a booster jab.”
More than 2.2m vaccinations have been given across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire NHS area, which means more than 89 per cent of the local population have received both primary doses and the booster dose.
Additionally, almost three quarters of those eligible for a second booster, such as those aged over 75 and people living in care homes, have so far come forward.
Vaccinations continue to be given at venues across the region, including Steam in Swindon.
Further information about the vaccination programme can be obtained by visiting www.nhs.uk and www.bswccg.nhs.uk
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