Volunteers and NHS staff praised after over 25,000 people receive Covid-19 jab

A spokesperson from the Rotherham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, said that staff and volunteers had been working long hours and going above and beyond to get people in Rotherham vaccinated as quickly as possible. 

They added: "GP practices, hospital staff and volunteers have made excellent progress over the last five weeks, but we know there is a long way to go to make sure we protect our most vulnerable residents against this awful virus.

"With over 25,000 Rotherham people having received their first dose as of the end of last week, we are continuing to work our way through all the high priority groups and urge patients not to contact their GP practice to ask about the vaccine.

"We will conact you, on the number registered at your GP practice, when it is your turn to be invited to one of our vaccination sites."

The CCG said they had now vaccinated a large number of the over 80 population and are working hard to book in those still to receive their first dose, in the coming weeks.

If you are registered as housebound at your GP practice, you will be contacted for the vaccine soon, the CCG said.

People who have had their jab still need to follow lockdown rules and continue to socially distance, wear a face covering and wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

The spokesperson added: "To all those working on the vaccine programme in Rotherham, thank you very much.

"Without you, this wouldn't be possible and we're very grateful. Also, thank you to the residents of Rotherham for your patience and understanding as we continue to work our way through our biggest ever vaccination programme."