More than two million vaccines administered in the South East

The latest figures from NHS England shows 1,918,899 people have received their first dose, with 83,581 second doses being given since December 2020.

In total, the South East has administered a total of 2,002,480 doses of the vaccine – only the Midlands has given more (2,328,638).

Employment Minister and Mid-Sussex MP Mims Davies has now urged all those 70 and over who have not yet been vaccinated to get the jab.

On a visit to a Local Vaccination Service in Haywards Heath the Employment Minister saw first-hand local GPs and nurses giving vaccinations to people in the priority groups, supported by volunteers. She also heard how getting the vaccine has brought hope to local residents and commended the huge efforts of local NHS workers and volunteers.

Alliance for Better Care is the GP Federation for East Surrey, Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex delivering vaccines in Haywards Heath.

It has launched seven vaccination services in the area including a roving team that has visited care homes and housebound patients, and a mobile vaccination unit which provides vaccinations for harder-to-reach and vulnerable members of the community.

Chief Executive of Alliance for Better Care Katherine Saunders said: “To date we have administered tens of thousands of vaccinations across our seven sites, this includes those administered by our roving team and our new mobile vaccination unit. We are pleased to have made such progress and proud of our contribution to the vaccination programme in the South East. We continue to work hard alongside all our partners and volunteers to keep adding to the tally.”

Following the visit, Mims Davies MP said: “The NHS has been on the frontline of this battle since the pandemic gripped the nation, and now they lead our recovery as we pass an incredible two million jabs in the South East.

“Today I’m repeating the call for those aged 70 and over who have not yet been contacted, to come forward and make an appointment for a vaccination as soon as they can. By using the national online booking system or calling 119 people can arrange a jab at a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy service.”

MP Mims Davies is also set to visit the East Grinstead vaccination site in the Meridian Hall which went live in January and has vaccinated more than 6,500 people.

Earlier this week Dr Nikki Kanani, medical director for primary care at NHS England and practising GP called for those over 70s who had not yet been contacted by the NHS to come forward and book an appointment for vaccination using the online national booking system. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them.

Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. If a suitable and convenient slot is not available people can also call their GP practice. Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.