Landmark day for Wigan Covid vaccine project

The 250,000 milestone - actually now 252,295 and counting - includes 172,902 residents have had their first vaccine and 79,393 have also had their second dose.

This means that a quarter of the borough’s residents have now completed their course of coronavirus inoculations.

Most of these residents have been vaccinated in either one of the four GP-led vaccine clinics in the borough or at one of the national sites like Hollowood Pharmacy, the Saints ground (Totally Wicked Stadium) or the Etihad Stadium.

Health bosses today called this a “massive milestone for the borough to achieve” and has been the result of a huge collective effort from many partners including all local GP practices, Wigan Borough CCG, Wrightington, Wigan, and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Wigan Council, along with the gyms and gym staff, St Peter’s Pavilion in Hindley and Golborne Parkside Sports and Community Club.

They have had hundreds of volunteers helping too, both vaccinating and supporting the clinics.

Dr Tim Dalton, a local GP and chairman of NHS Wigan Borough CCG, said: “A quarter of a million vaccines feels like a really big milestone to achieve, and it is fantastic news for our Borough that our vaccine programme is going so well.

“I want to say a personal thank you to everyone who has supported the vaccine programme to get us to this point, and thank you also to all the residents who continue to come forward and get vaccinated.

“Every vaccine counts and by having your vaccine you are protecting yourself, but also increasing the protection of your loved ones and the wider community.

“We can now vaccinate all adults aged 40-plus, although it will take a few weeks for everyone to get the invite.

“If you want to arrange your vaccine now, you can visit the nhs.uk website, or call 119.

“Alternatively, you can wait to be contacted by your GP practice.

“If you are unsure about whether you should have a vaccine or not, please don’t just take your information from social media, but contact your GP practice and discuss your concerns with a professional.

“Don’t forget that even when you have been vaccinated you can still catch and spread COVID, so you need to continue following the latest government guidance and do your bit by washing your hands, wearing a mask and keeping your distance.”

The population of Wigan borough is roughly 320,000.

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