Latest Covid-19 vaccine progress
Our latest data shows we have vaccinated 91% of the top nine priority groups with at least one dose; and now 69% of all adults aged over 18 have been vaccinated.
More than 710,000 people are now protected with both doses of the vaccine. In the top four most vulnerable groups 95% of people have had both doses.
Volunteers thanked for huge role in vaccination programme
Vaccinations for nearly 1.8 million people in Kent and Medway have only been possible thanks to the hard work of local GPs, nurses, pharmacists and an army of colleagues working in the NHS and local councils.
It is also due to the outstanding contribution of local volunteers.
Caroline Selkirk, Executive Director of Health Improvement and Chief Operating Officer at NHS Kent and Medway CCG, said: “The complex and fast-paced roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine has been unlike anything we have delivered before.
“From the start of the programme to now as we continue to vaccinate people and protect them from the worst effects of this virus, it has required the concerted effort of hundreds of people across our communities.
“We could not have delivered millions of vaccines if it was not for the time, care and selflessness of our volunteers. On behalf of all of us at NHS Kent and Medway, thank you.”
Pop-up clinic in Chatham
A one-day walk-in clinic took place at St Mary’s Island Community Centre in Chatham, vaccinating those aged over 40 in the local area.
Uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine amongst patients at nearby GP practices has been lower than others, which is why our vaccine inequalities group chose to hold the clinic at St Mary’s Island.
Paula Wilkins, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway CCG, said: “Uptake of the vaccine across Kent and Medway has been excellent but in some areas not as many people have come forward as we would like.
“The Covid-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. All of the vaccines in use are safe and effective, so if anybody who is eligible hasn’t been vaccinated yet, please protect yourself, your friends and family and our communities against this devastating virus.”
The clinic, which was delivered by staff at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, provided the AstraZeneca vaccine to 39 people who came along on the day.
Canterbury vaccination centre
A new vaccination centre has opened in Canterbury and is capable of vaccinating 2,500 people per week.
Based at the Sea Cadet building in Vauxhall Road, the site is led by Northgate Medical Practice with all the GP practices in the Canterbury area involved in its day-to-day operation.
Vaccinations can be booked online or by calling 119.
GP urges communities to get Covid-19 vaccine
A Dartford GP has explained why those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities should not hesitate to take the Covid-19 vaccine when invited.
As part of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s work to increase the uptake of the vaccine amongst groups where it has been lower, GP Principal and Trainer at Temple Hill Surgery Dr Wole Olarinmoye has taken time out of his clinics to answer the public’s questions.
Dr Olarinmoye recently gave a presentation to members of the Nigerian Community Association Kent and Medway but wanted to be able to spread the message about the Covid-19 vaccine further.
As well as the presentation, Dr Olarinmoye answered questions from the community in the video that is available on our website.