ALMOST 200,000 vaccines have been delivered in North Cumbria so far, according to North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC).

Latest figures show that 199,675 Covid-19 vaccines have been given in the area since the programme started December.

NHS figures revealed that 135,802 people aged 50 and over in North Cumbria have had their first dose and 12,138 of over 80s have had their second dose.

Director of primary care for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, Ed Tallis, said: “This has been a huge effort by everyone across primary care and our hospital hubs.

“We now have three community pharmacies and the Penrith Auction Mart Vaccination Centre has also helped increase the bookable opportunities.

“We know for our geography it is important to have a range of opportunities so we now have 15 centres across north Cumbria regularly offering vaccines, as well as localised clinics in GP Practices too.

“Administering 200,000 vaccinations in little over three and a half months is a phenomenal achievement.”

NHS figures also reveal that at least one dose has been given to the following age groups:

• 76.6 per cent of 50-54 year olds

• 87.8 per cent of 55-59 year olds

• 95.5 per cent 60-64 year olds

Staff at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust including pharmacy, occupational health, digital health, nursing and immunisation teams have worked together to help administer the vaccine to thousands of health and care staff across the county.

The West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle - have been mainly vaccinating frontline health and social care staff and have completed more than 30,000 vaccines.

chief nurse at the Trust, Anna Stabler, said: “I’m extremely proud of the team work that has gone into delivering the vaccine to our staff and partners, it has been a huge and complex effort which will help ensure that we are able to keep delivering our services to those who are often the most vulnerable in our society.

“I would urge everyone to take up the vaccine when they are offered it, this is currently the best way to protect ourselves from this virus which has affected so many in our communities.”

For more information on vaccination in North Cumbria, visit the North Cumbria CCG website.