ONE year on from the roll out of the historic Covid-19 vaccines over 80 per cent of Wiltshire has been double jabbed.
Since the start of the UK-wide roll out on December 8 last year, 411,582 people aged 12 and over in Wiltshire have received at least their first dose of a coronavirus inoculation – up to December 4, 2021.
According to figures based on the National Immunisation Management Service, that equates to 88 per cent of all people in that age group.
Of them, 380,439 have also received a second dose – 81 per cent – though 12 to 17-year-olds only became eligible for second jabs in recent weeks.
The first jabs made their way in Devizes residents’ arm on December 16 as the Corn Exchange was transformed into a vaccine centre – a function it still fills.
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Staff and volunteers behind the coronavirus vaccination programme in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) have been thanked by the clinical commissioning group (CCG).
Since the first vaccine in the area, in Swindon on December 9, nearly two million doses have been given across the BSW area.
Gill May, director of nursing and quality, said: “Simply put, our vaccination drive would not have been possible without the help and support of every single person working at one of our vaccine centres, either on the frontline or behind-the-scenes.
“It’s 100 per cent down to them that we have been able to deliver a staggering 1.7 million vaccines in the space of just 12 months, and I’d like to use this one-year anniversary to offer my personal thanks to everyone who has worked so hard.”
Praise for the region’s vaccine army has also come from survival expert Bear Grylls, who volunteered at the Steam Museum in Swindon during the first phase of the vaccination drive.
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He said: “It was a true privilege to volunteer alongside so many true British heroes.
“To hear their stories and see how dedicated so many unsung helpers have been during this last year is a reminder that a kind, courageous and selfless spirit is alive and well throughout our country.”
In Devizes, the Primary Care Network (PCN) will hold a small gathering on December 22 for volunteers, nurses, doctors, admin team and town council staff who have supported the vaccine programme
Richard Conroy was first in-line in Devizes to receive his jag and said the experience was “absolutely marvelous”.
Others getting their vaccines early had said they were nervous but looked forward – at the time – to a return to normalcy.
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Across the local authority area, Swindon residents first received a dose of a vaccine on December 9 at Great Western Hospital.
Alex Hale, 86, was among the first people in the world and the very first person in Swindon to be given the Pfizer jab.
The Shrivenham pensioner told the Adver: “I’m looking forward to everybody else having the same thing, so we can go back to normal, as I say it’s not going to be before Easter, but I hope shortly after Easter.
“Hopefully everybody will get done very quickly.”
An 86-year-old man will be the first person in Swindon to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 jab this morning https://t.co/kDAsy0hpbH
— Hedi Mehrez (@HediMehrez_) December 9, 2020
In Salisbury, the first vaccines were given on December 30.
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Among the first people to get vaccinated were Salisbury residents James Pratt, 86, and Norma Pratt, 83.
Priority staff members also received the vaccination at this time, with consultant anaesthetist, Duncan Murray the first staff member to be vaccinated.
Wiltshire public health director, Kate Blackburn said: “We have seen a great response to the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccinations during the past year across Wiltshire.
“There has been an amazing effort through strong local partnership working to make sure the vaccine has been accessible to everyone who is eligible right across our communities, including some completely new and innovative approaches such as the use of a vaccination bus and canal boat.
“As we approach the Christmas and New Year period, we will inevitably see more people socialising indoors, often with friends and relatives not seen for many months.
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“It’s especially important at this time of year for people to come forward for their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations when offered.
“We would urge those who haven’t yet taken up the opportunity for a vaccination to please find out more information on the NHS website and also think about how their decision could have adverse consequences for those around them this festive season.
“Please do get the Covid-19 vaccine when offered, whether that be the first, second, or booster dose to help boost your immunity and protect those around you this winter.”
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