Latest Covid vaccination rates for Leicestershire and Rutland

Latest government figures released this afternoon (Thursday), which cover the period from December 8 last year to Sunday, also showed that everyone in the age group 75 to 79 had received at least their first vaccination and 95 per cent of those aged 80 and over plus people aged 70 to 74 had also done so.

The total figures are likely to be significantly higher by now, because of the reporting lag and due to the government confirming on Monday that all priority groups, including all aged 70 and over, the clinically extremely vulnerable and frontline health and care service staff had been given their first jab.

It was confirmed this week that more than 12,500 people have had a Covid jab at Melton’s vaccination centre since it opened two months ago.

Medical staff from the town’s Latham House Medical Practice are helping co-ordinate the local roll-out at the Melton Sports Village, off Burton Road.

The exercise is a collaboration involving staff from the local Primary Care Network (PCN), made up of practices from Melton, Syston and the Vale.

Dr Fahreen Dhanji, one of the Latham House doctors involved in giving the jabs at the town centre, told the Melton Times: “It certainly is an emotional experience for the patients but also the staff as well.

“I think it is because we are all so grateful that a vaccine has been developed so quickly and that it offers us the best opportunity to return to a life that we remember, where we can all hug our loved ones and socialise again.

“To date we have vaccinated over 12,500 patients from our PCN at the vaccination centre in Melton Mowbray.”

The NHS is continuing to send out invitations for residents to have their vaccinations but those aged 65, who have not yet had their first jab now have the option to book an appointment.

Vaccine levels mean the health authorities can offer the vaccine to people in the over 65s category before moving to the next people in the priority list as soon as possible.

Go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ to book a vaccine appointment at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester General Hospital or Leicester Royal Infirmary.