45,000 jabs recorded in NHS ‘blockbooster’ weekend

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria gave out more than 45,000 booster jabs over Saturday and Sunday in the biggest weekend for the COVID-19 vaccination programme so far.

With 24,896 doses registered during an all-time record 24 hour period on Saturday and a further 20,588 on Sunday, Lancashire and South Cumbria’s chief nurse hailed people for coming forward to get protected against Omicron and urged everyone to ‘keep up the pace’ in booking boosters.

In the week since the Prime Minister declared the fight against Omicron a national mission, NHS staff and volunteers across Lancashire and South Cumbria have stepped up and delivered an incredible 165,000 doses of the COVID vaccine.

Some 5,643 first doses and 7,828 second doses since December 13 have been delivered as people continue to come forward for their initial jabs with vaccinations offering the best protection against coronavirus.

Jane Scattergood, chief nurse and senior responsible officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said:

“We’ve seen a remarkable response from our citizens in the past week as people surged forward for boosters, and soaring public enthusiasm has been more than matched by NHS staff and volunteer effort, with over 150,000 boosters given since December 13^th.

A record week has been topped off with a 'blockbooster' weekend but the job is not done and my message to everyone is to keep up the pace in coming forward and booking your top-up, as it’s the best weapon in the arsenal against omicron.

Remember – severe Covid is a preventable disease. We prevent disease with vaccines and prevent transmission with handwashing and some distancing.  Please get your protection and help us get life back to normal.”

The NHS is urging everyone who is eligible – 3 months on from their second jab – to get their booster as soon as possible.

Every eligible adult can now book in for their lifesaving jab online and given some sites remain busy, the NHS is encouraging people to book in to guarantee their slot.

Further details of when and where you can book your vaccine can be found at: www.healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab

Appointments continue to be available over the festive period.

The NHS has outlined detailed plans to accelerate the COVID-19 booster programme with extended opening hours as part of plans to protect the nation against the new Omicron variant.