A HAMPSHIRE vaccination programme is celebrating after successfully delivering millions of Covid-19 vaccines since the virus outbreak. 

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is celebrating delivering more than five million doses of the vaccine since it began more than two years ago. 

The programme has developed over this time and now most Covid vaccines are being delivered by GP practices.

Community pharmacies with specialist clinics have also been supporting people with a learning disability or who are housebound, amongst others.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead for the vaccination programme, said: “Working together has been a key part of the Covid vaccination programme’s success and I would like to share my thanks to all our partners and teams for all they and continue to achieve. Many of us will remember where we were when the first vaccines were delivered and the impact this had on the pandemic and our lives."

Dr Nisbet also thanked the ongoing support from all communities. 

Jane Ansell, previous programme lead for the vaccination programme said: “This is such a milestone in our campaign and my thanks go out to everyone involved in delivering this vaccine to our communities across Hampshire. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved and how many different teams and partners came together to make sure we played our role in keeping people safe.

“With much of life returning to how it was pre-pandemic, it’s easy to forget the impact that this virus is still having on people’s lives. However, we need to remember that it is the vaccine that has enabled us to reach this point and getting vaccinated when invited to remains our greatest defence against this virus.”

More than 240,000 people across the county are eligible for a Covid-19 spring vaccine, including everyone who turns 75 years plus (before the end of June) and those with a weakened immune system.

Since the spring campaign launched last month, nearly 75,000 vaccines have been delivered.

While the NHS is offering the spring vaccination, there’s also an opportunity for people to get a first or second Covid-19 vaccination, or both before May 5.

The last vaccination appointments are on June 30.

For more information, or help with booking an appointment or checking eligibility, call the Hampshire Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018.