Over 188,000 Covid vaccines delivered in Luton NHS area

As of February 24 188,000 vaccines have been administered across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK).

The “sprint not a marathon” analogy rings true for the local vaccination programme as BLMK Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) continue to work with partner organisations to deliver the large and complex vaccination roll out.

As we move towards the next priority group, Cohort 6, and the plan for second doses in early March, the CCGs wanted to reflect and share their appreciation for the hundreds of incredible and dedicated colleagues that have made this possible.

From volunteers and pharmacists to car park wardens and vaccine administers, they have all contributed to saving the lives of the population in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, Medical Director and putative Chair for BLMK CCGs, said: “What we have achieved in the last few months is testament to the hard working and selfless people who have come forward and participated in the roll-out.

"We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of residents volunteering and it was so pleasing to see retired clinicians wanting to return to the field as vaccinators.

"We’ve still got a long way to go but it’s so important we take a step back and realise how far we’ve come. Thank you all.”

Vaccination centres are now live across all areas of BLMK, including mass vaccination and primary care led vaccination sites.

For more information about the vaccine roll-out and where the sites are, click here.

If you have not yet received your vaccination, please continue to wait to be contacted and invited by one of the national vaccination centres or your GP.

Anyone over 70 who has not yet been vaccinated can arrange a vaccination themselves through the national booking service or by calling 119.

If you have had your first vaccination, please make sure to keep the appointment for your second when invited.

During the vaccination roll-out, it remains vital that everyone continues to follow government guidelines and stay at home, only leaving for essential purposes.

If you do need to leave your home, please remember to wear a face covering, maintain a social distance and good hand hygiene (Hands, Face, Space), to protect those around you from Covid-19.