This week marks one year since the COVID-19 vaccination programme began in the UK and since then, more than two million jabs have been given across the Black Country and West Birmingham.

Of these, more than 900,000 were first doses and over 800,000 were second doses, with more than 300,000 booster doses also delivered since August.

The NHS is preparing to deliver a record number of boosters in the coming days and weeks, following an announcement that that eligible people can now book their booster three months after their second dose, instead of six.

After launching at the end of last year, the vaccine rollout has continued to expand, with vaccines available at a variety of locations – from hospital hubs and GP practices to pharmacies and large vaccination centres, as well as in schools for 12-15-year-olds. More than 80 community pharmacies across the area have taken part in the vaccine drive to date, alongside a number of mobile pop-up clinics in the local area.

Roving vaccine buses have also visited sites across Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall, including community centres, places of worship and shopping centres, to help vaccinate as many people as possible.

Flagship vaccination sites, which opened as part of a roll-out of large-scale vaccination centres across the country, have played a pivotal part, with the Saddlers Vaccination Centre in Walsall, Tipton Sports Academy in Sandwell and the Mander Vaccination Centre in Wolverhampton all offering first, second and booster doses on a walk-in or appointment basis.

The first large vaccination site to open in the area was at Black Country Living Museum, where more than 125,000 doses were delivered before the service closed in June. None of this would have been possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers from the local community who have donated their time over the last 12 months to help people who came for their jabs and make sure the process was as easy as possible. Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“To deliver over two million jabs over the last 12 months is a fantastic achievement and one that we’re incredibly proud of. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on so many people, and it’s tested us in ways we never expected.

"However, the response from the public to the vaccine roll-out has been phenomenal and has helped us to deliver the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.

"It’s truly been a combined effort and I would like to thank all our staff, partners and members of the public for their support over the last 12 months. It’s also really important to recognise the invaluable role volunteers have played in the vaccine roll-out, so I want to thank our incredible volunteers who have given up their time to support us and those in their communities who needed help.

“The vaccination programme is continuing at pace and we’re now getting ready to administer a record amount of booster doses following the recent government guidance.

"It’s never been more important to get the vaccine and I would encourage those eligible to come forward as soon as possible, whether it’s for a first, second or booster dose, to give them and their loved ones vital protection over winter.”

For more information visit the NHS Black Country and West Birmingham CCG website.