Leaders’ thanks as vaccinations top 23,000

Health and council leaders have issued a huge ‘thank you’ to the staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly to vaccinate Bury people against coronavirus.

Latest figures show that around 23,000 people who are registered with a Bury GP have now had at least one dose of the potentially life-saving vaccine.

The jabs are being carried out at four vaccination centres run by the Primary Care Network: the Elizabethan Suite in Bury, Bealey’s in Radcliffe, Ramsbottom Civic Hall, and Prestwich Walk-in Centre.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, visited his local vaccination centre in Prestwich to see the staff in action.

“This is biggest vaccination programme in our country’s history, and I am so impressed with the amazing work being carried out by medical staff and a small army of volunteers at our vaccination centres,” he said.

“Every day, our citizens – starting with the most vulnerable – are being protected against this terrible virus which has caused the death of more than 400 Bury residents.

“Later today we will be launching a weekly ‘vaccinometer’ to keep everyone up to date with how the vaccine rollout is coming along. Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s coming closer every day.”

And Dr Jeffrey Schryer, Prestwich GP and chair of NHS Bury CCG, said: “The vaccination programme is really starting to gather pace now, and everything is running so smoothly thanks to the incredible hard work of staff working at all four centres.

“It's a huge team effort with GP teams, pharmacy colleagues and volunteers all pulling together. It's also humbling to hear how grateful our patients are to be invited.

“These vaccinations will save lives, and I'd urge everyone who is eligible to get protected. When the time is right you will be contacted by your GP practice to book an appointment; there is no need to contact your practice about the vaccination before then."

Vaccinations are being given in the priority order set by the Government. These targets are to vaccinate everyone in the top four priority tiers by 15 February, and everyone in the top nine tiers by mid-April, along with frontline health and social care staff.

Residents are reminded that they will be invited by their GP for a vaccination when it’s their turn. They should go back for their second jab when invited (within 12 weeks of the first), and should continue to follow the Covid-safe rules as it takes several weeks for the vaccine to work, and you may still be able to catch the virus and pass it on.

Advice and support on all matters related to coronavirus can be found on the council’s website: www.bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 27 January 2021.

Picture: Council leader Eamonn O’Brien (right) meets Dr Jeffrey Schryer and pharmacist Saleem Akhtar at Prestwich Walk-in Centre.