Largan column: 'We are making huge strides in vaccine rollout'

In his latest column, High Peak MP Robert Largan gives an update on the Covid vaccination programme both locally and nationally.

At the time of writing this, nearly 10 million people have now received a Covid vaccine dose. The UK vaccination programme is one of the most advanced anywhere in the world.

Last week, I was pleased to do my first shift as a volunteer steward at the vaccine site at Glossop Cricket Club. I was doing my bit to help, making certain people got in and out safely.

It was brilliant to be able to lend a hand and to thank everyone who is working so hard to get people vaccinated. Everything was so well organised and planned carefully to keep everyone safe, with 750 people successfully vaccinated.

Glossop is one of the leading areas anywhere in the country for rolling out the vaccine. It's wonderful to see our area leading the way, and I am so grateful to everyone involved and doing such an amazing job.

High Peak MP Robert Largan on car park duty at Glossop's Covid vaccine site. Photo: Nigel Wood. 

The vaccine rollout is also going well across the whole High Peak, with the two other vaccine sites at Chapel-en-le-Frith and Buxton. I'm really glad that vaccine clinics have been successfully run in New Mills as well.

Nationally, we are making huge strides. Every eligible care home with older residents has now been offered a vaccine. Protecting the most vulnerable has always been the priority, which is why care homes and their staff have been prioritised in the vaccine rollout.

We also got the good news that another vaccine has shown really promising results in its UK trials. It has shown to be around 90 per cent effective in preventing coronavirus and is effective against the new UK variant.

Even better, it’s being manufactured in the UK and we’ve already got 60 million doses ordered. The majority of this vaccine will be manufactured on Teesside and delivered during this year if approved for use.

The fact that several different vaccines have been successfully developed in such a short period of time is a remarkable achievement. We owe so much to all the scientists, researchers and volunteers involved, getting us through this pandemic.

In light of our progress with the vaccine rollout, it was deeply disappointing to witness the EU’s actions last week. I don’t know what was going through the heads of the European Commission, but I am glad they have now seen sense and backed down.

The pandemic is a global crisis and that means we all have to pull together to fight the virus and not allowing vaccine nationalism to get the better of us.

Remember, every jab isn't just saving lives, it is a step closer to being able to ease restrictions and get back to normal. Let's all follow the rules, take care of each other and stay safe.

Main image:

A patient receiving a Covid vaccine dose at Glossop Cricket Club. Photo: Nigel Wood. 

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