Manchester marks one year anniversary of its first Covid vaccination

  • Thursday 16 December 2021

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Pharmacist Aneet Kapoor vaccinating his father.

Pharmacist Aneet Kapoor vaccinating his father.

Thursday December 16 marks the one year anniversary of the first Covid vaccination given in Manchester. 

In the 12 months since that date a public health campaign on a scale never seen before was initiated in the city with the goal of protecting as many people as possible from Covid-19. 

Since then a volunteer army in their thousands has stepped up to support hundreds of clinicians in the city who have been tasked with carrying out the vaccine rollout.  

A special video has been created to mark this milestone, thanking everyone involved for their superhuman efforts over the last year.

The video can be found by following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukJTvP8lQiI

As part of the vaccine rollout throughout the year every care home and secondary school was visited by our clinicians and school health teams to ensure residents and pupils were not left out of the process. 

On top of this dozens of pop-up clinics have been run across Manchester to ensure that neighbourhoods could get access to the vaccine as easily as possible. Hospital hubs and community pharmacies have also played a vital role in providing safe and accessible venues for people to get their jabs. 

As of December 15, a total of 391,602 people registered with a Manchester GP have received their first dose of vaccine. 

354,221 have received a second dose, and an additional 143,681 have received a booster dose. 

Since the inception of the vaccination roll out the support and willingness of Mancunians to make the best decision for their own health, and that of others has been on full display.

During the first three days of the expanded booster programme alone – from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 – a total of 13,682 boosters have been administered. 

This figure is expected to increase daily as extra capacity is built into the booster programme, with extra resources being put into the National Booking System (NBS) and the range of walk-in clinics across the city. 

For the best chance of getting a booster jab this winter, booking in advance is recommended. If you are registered with a Manchester GP you can book directly via a text from your GP, through the National Booking Service, calling 119, or by calling the Manchester Gateway service, at 0800 092 4020. 

Walk in clinics will also be open, and can be found by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab

 
David Regan, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “We have passed many ‘firsts’ since the onset of the pandemic in Manchester, but to reach one year of our successful vaccination programme is one that we can all be proud of. The message now, as it was 12 months ago is the vaccines are the best and most effective way of avoiding serious illness if someone develops Covid-19. 

“Just this week we have taken on a new challenge, with the expansion of the booster programme but based on the work seen across Manchester this past year, I have no doubt our clinicians, volunteers and most importantly the public will rise to it.” 

Dr Manisha Kumar, Medical Director of Manchester Health and Care Commissioning said: “Across the entire health service in Manchester we have seen incredible dedication to successfully roll out the vaccination programme. From GPs, staff at vaccination sites and pop ups, to retired doctors and nurses stepping back into the profession to help there has been an incredible spirit shown over the past year. 

“What we are focused on now is getting as many people vaccinated as possible and I’d urge people to make the right choice and come forward. This has been an incredibly anxious time for people and I would say that if anyone has concerns over the vaccine, call your doctor, have a conversation who knows the facts, and ultimately make the best decision for your health, and those around you.” 

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many people, but there are signs that can give us a real sense of positivity. The enthusiasm shown in the first days of the booster surge saw thousands of doses given, with more capacity being built into the system every day. 

“I’d call on people to keep that level of enthusiasm in the coming days and weeks and where possible book an appointment through the NBS, or visit the Council website to locate one of the many booster walk-ins operating.”

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