Sunderland vaccinates its 100,000 patient

A further milestone in the fight against COVID-19 is reached as Sunderland vaccinates its 100,000 patient.

Sunderland resident, Miss Lindsey Duncan, aged 42, received the milestone vaccine at Bunny Hill Primary Care Centre, one of the six GP led vaccine sites in the City.

Sunderland GP and Clinical Vice Chair of NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Fadi Khalil, has been leading the co-ordination of the first vaccines coming into the City.  He said: “It’s incredible to reach this vaccination milestone and I am so proud of everyone who has worked so hard on our relentless vaccination programme. It continues to be a long road to recovery but each vaccination we give is step closer to getting us back to a normal way of life.”

“This vaccination programme is about protecting our most vulnerable and the only way we can do that is to continue to stick the social distancing rules, where a face covering and keep washing our hands regularly, and above all, get your vaccine when you are called.”

Jon Twelves, Chief Executive of Sunderland GP Alliance, said: “Reaching 100,000 vaccines is an incredible milestone and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved for their continued support. The commitment and dedication we’ve seen from the whole General Practice team across Sunderland has been nothing short of incredible.

“This is the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history and has required enormous efforts from all partners across our healthcare system. To have reached this point locally, really is testament to the strength of partnership working in the city.

“The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination has brought hope to many people in our local communities, but we still need to make sure that we are following the rules. Over the coming weeks and months we all need to continue to do our bit and remember the basics. Wear a facemask, wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing wherever possible.”

Anna Hargrave, Divisional Director for Community Services at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The COVID-19 vaccine has brought hope to everyone in our local communities, especially those in our care homes who are at much higher risk of serious illness. I am extremely proud of the way our community teams have stepped up to ensure that care home residents and staff receive the vaccine. It’s been very much a team effort and really shines a light on how successfully we work together as a system to ensure that local people get the very best care possible.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is brilliant news for our residents and a significant milestone for our city.

“The vaccine offers the best chance of getting back to any kind of normality so it really is good news that getting on for a third of our residents have now been vaccinated and I would encourage anyone who is offered the jab through the NHS to take up the offer to help keep themselves and their family safe. It is really important that everyone continues to follow the current stay at home rules and hands face space guidance, even after being vaccinated.”

People are advised not to contact their GPs or other NHS departments to arrange a vaccination appointment until they receive an invite letter or are contacted by their GP practice.