21 December 2021

The turbo-charged booster vaccine campaign has broken through a key landmark in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin – with 50,000 people having received their jabs.

It comes just eight days after the national effort launched on Monday 13 December to deliver up to 18.3 million boosters by 31 December. In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin that equates to more than 130,000 doses needing to be administered by New Year’s Eve.

The big push was initiated in response to data showing that the NHS could otherwise be overwhelmed by an anticipated wave of the Omicron variant in January – with evidence showing that two doses does not provide the long-lasting protection we all need, but that the booster restores protection to around 75%.

Angie Wallace, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “Thank you to everyone who has come forward and played their part in this national effort by getting their booster.

“I must also pay tribute to our vaccination teams, who have responded so magnificently to this huge challenge.

“In a matter of days we have trebled our capacity – we have seen GPs and pharmacists pulling out all the stops, and other health and care staff volunteering in their droves to help us, in many cases sacrificing their plans for Christmas to play their part.

“We did almost 49,000 vaccinations in the first week of the campaign and smashed through the 50,000 barrier yesterday morning. It’s an incredible achievement.

“But we are not resting on our laurels – we know there is a long way to go still if we are to deliver all the boosters we need to protect our communities and ensure our local health services can cope with the expected demand.”

Angie is also calling on everyone eligible to come forward for their booster as soon as they are eligible, rather than delaying until after the festive period.

“Our teams will be hard at work vaccinating right up to Christmas Eve and again from Boxing Day,” she added.

“Getting your booster is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends.

“Lots of us will be spending Christmas with family – some of whom may be older, frail or vulnerable. Getting your booster is peace of mind for you and them. You can book your slot or take up the offer of coming to one of our many walk-in sites.”

A full list of sites, including opening times, can be found on the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System’s website.