Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has reached a major milestone in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout across Essex and Suffolk.
Since January 2021, the Trust has delivered more than 1.5 million vaccine doses as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.
Most have been delivered at the Trust’s vaccination centres, flexible venues which can scale up and down according to vaccine supply and demand. Some centres have delivered more than 1,000 vaccines per day.
The Trust has managed vaccination centres and clinics at some of Essex and Suffolk’s most iconic and well-known locations – including theatres, racecourses, shopping centres and stadiums.
In addition, EPUT runs a Community Vaccination Bus service, offering people the opportunity to drop in and have their vaccine at convenient locations such as supermarkets, parks and outside colleges. The Trust runs temporary ‘pop-up’ vaccination clinics and has an extensive outreach programme, ensuring fair access to the vaccine for everyone. It has also supported primary care services to vaccinate housebound people and care home residents.
Nigel Leonard, Executive Director of Major Projects and Programmes, is coordinating the vaccination rollout at EPUT. He said: “We are delighted to have reached this major milestone for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in our area.
“This achievement is testament to the incredible sustained efforts of our staff and volunteers. For almost two years, they have shown remarkable teamwork, flexibility and dedication to protecting our community.
“While we take a moment to say thank you, I would also urge anyone who has not yet had the vaccine – first, second, and booster doses for those eligible – to do your bit to protect yourself and those around you.”
People aged 50 and over are currently eligible for an autumn booster dose of vaccine against COVID-19, as well as frontline health and social care workers, carers, people who are in a clinical risk group, pregnant women and those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
This week, over the half-term holidays, EPUT is also offering vaccination clinics for school-aged children to have their first, second or booster vaccine dose.
If you are eligible to be vaccinated, you can book an appointment online at nhs.uk/get-vaccination or by calling 0344 257 3961.
Some sites are also offering walk-in clinics, but please note availability will depend on vaccine supply. Find a walk-in vaccination centre near you on the NHS website.