COLUMN: The Covid-19 vaccination rollout – thanks to those behind it and a message to those awaiting their jab

Martin Fahy, director of nursing and quality, Lincolnshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

It really is no understatement when I say that bringing the Covid-19 vaccination rollout to Lincolnshire has been a massive undertaking.

Our teams have been nothing short of heroic in their efforts and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person involved in this effort for the significant part they have played.

This includes not only our NHS staff, but also our partners across Lincolnshire County Council and all district councils, the Local Resilience Forum, the voluntary sector, the University of Lincoln and many, many more.

I would also like to thank the people of Lincolnshire for their support while we have been busy establishing our vaccination centres across the county.

Feedback has been hugely positive for those people who have already had their vaccinations, and for those people who are still waiting, you will be contacted by your GP when it is your turn to be vaccinated.

In Lincolnshire, Covid-19 vaccines are currently being delivered from two hospital hubs at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, 14 local vaccination service sites – run by our primary care networks – and from one vaccination centre located at The Princess Royal Sports Arena, in Boston.

We appreciate having different types of vaccination sites in the county is confusing to some, so just to be clear, if you have received a letter inviting you to book an appointment at one of our vaccination centres, please call the number on the letter or visit the website listed to book.

For everyone else, please wait until your GP practice contacts you.

The Government has released a target date of mid-February for first vaccinations of the top four priority groups to occur, equating to 209,000 people in Lincolnshire.

I am delighted with the progress that our teams across the county are making. We are all pushing hard to deliver the vaccines to our priority groups and the level of commitment to doing this is enormous, ensuring that every day more people in Lincolnshire are being protected by receiving their vaccine.

Lastly, we know how difficult it has been for many people who have stayed at home to protect the NHS and save life, and the sacrifices this has meant. Your efforts have made such a difference.