The North East and Cumbria are leading the country, having delivered over 270,000 vaccines as part of the Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan – the biggest vaccination programme in British history – that sets ambitious targets as the government continues to ramp up its vaccine rollout.

Already in the North East and Cumbria, 271,536 vaccinations have been administered, as part of plans to vaccinate the top 4 priority groups by mid-February. Across the wider region 618,76 people have received a vaccine, with 688,990 doses administered in total across the area.

The United Kingdom is leading the way with its vaccination programme. So far, more than 5 million vaccinations have been administered to 4.6 million people – the fourth highest per capita, behind only Bahrain, the UAE and Israel. In addition, only two countries have administered more doses than the United Kingdom – China and the USA.

The Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan sets out how it aims to administer 2 million doses of vaccines by the end of January, as well as offering vaccines to every elderly are home resident by the end of the month. So far, more than half of those over 80s and care home residents have received a vaccine.

On top of this, the Government is opening up new vaccination sites every day as part of our Vaccine Delivery Plan to ensure everyone is within 10 miles of a vaccination centre. 65 pharmacy sites are joining the programme this week and early next week with more to come.

Commenting, Leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson said:

“The key to getting back to some kind of normal here in Northumberland is getting the vaccination to as many residents as possible. Thanks to our Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan we are leading the way on getting people protected.

“I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months – and I urge everyone to do the same when they get the call up”.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said:

“Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and this historic rollout will cover every corner of the country. Community pharmacists have been phenomenal and will have a pivotal role to play in the continued expansion of the programme.

“Through the UK vaccine delivery plan, over four million people have already received their jab. From hospitals to pharmacies, sports clubs to places of worship – we’re making sure the vaccine is as accessible as possible.

“In the meantime it is vital everyone continues to play their part in this national effort by staying at home to protect the NHS.”