Health chiefs say 'no-one will be forgotten' as the vaccination programme continues across Rutland and Leicestershire.

Figures released by NHS England show that by January 17th 56,317 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) had received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Of these, 27,826 doses were given to people over the age of 80 and 28,491 were given to people under the age of 80 – almost all of whom were NHS and social care front line staff.

In addition, 5,215 individuals had received their second dose - 2,053 aged under 80 and 3,162 aged over 80.

In Rutland, nearly all over 80s had been vaccinated by earlier in the week with under-80s now being contacted to receive their first jab, as previously reported by Nub News. All care home residents have also been vaccinated too.

Andy Williams, Chief Executive of the three LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said: "Whilst there is still much more to do this represents an excellent start to our local vaccination programme and is testament to the hard work of all our NHS staff, partners and volunteers who have given up their time to support our efforts.

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved. "We have continued vaccinating at pace over the past week so the real-time numbers will already be significantly higher.

""The good news is that whilst the vaccination programme got off to a staggered start, as vaccine supplies increase we expect that fair shares allocation will ensure that between now and mid-February everyone in the four highest priority groups, independently set by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, can be offered the first vaccine dose.

"We already have significant capacity within our local programme to increase the numbers of vaccinations given as vaccine availability continues to improve."

Patients will be invited for their vaccination when it is their turn and there is no need to contact their GP practice about it.

Andy Williams added: "We know that many people are anxious to receive their vaccine, and I would like to reassure them that each local area is working through their list of patients in priority order and no-one will be forgotten.

"I would also like to emphasise how important it is that everyone who is invited does take up the offer of receiving the vaccine. It is suitable for all invited patients, and has been endorsed by cultural and faith leaders both locally and across the country. This vaccine saves lives."