The number of vaccines given on the Island edges closer to 200,000.
Figures released today by NHS England show 105,668, or 71.6 per cent of Islanders, have had their first dose and 93,726 second doses have been dished out.
The news comes in the week the NHS announced the closure of the Riverside vaccination centre at the end of the month.
In the week ending 1st August, more second doses than first were given.
Extended to 16 and 17-year-olds
The roll-out has recently been extended to 16 and 17-year-olds and will start in the next few weeks according to national health bosses.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England’s deputy chief medical officer, said on Wednesday there was no time to waste as teenagers would be going back to sixth form an colleges soon.
520 under 18s jabbed
On the Island, only 520 under 18s have had their first vaccine, with fewer than half that having had their second.
As a push to get younger people to get the vaccine, targeted messages via social media encouraged them to bring a friend and get vaccinated together.
Centre closing at end of month
Run by the Solent NHS Trust from February, the Riverside centre will now close on 26th August.
Angela Anderson, clinical director of the Vaccination Programme at Solent NHS Trust, said they needed everyone to come forward and take up the offer.
There are still walk-in clinics available at the Riverside before it closes.
Astra Zeneca:
- 5th to 8th August and then 21 to 26 August 8am to 12.30pm
- These sessions are open for anyone aged 40 or over for first dose
AstraZeneca, or second dose AstraZeneca if it has been at least eight weeks since the first dose.
Pfizer:
- 5th to 8th August: 4 -7.30pm
- 9th to 20th August: 8am – 7.30pm (appointment and walk-in)
- 21st to 26th August: 4 – 7.30pm
These sessions are open to anyone aged 18 years or over for a first dose, or second dose AstraZeneca if it has been at least eight weeks since the first dose.
Vaccine hubs will still be operating at Newport Medical Centre in Carisbrooke, West Wight Sport and Community Centre and Westridge Centre, Ryde.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
