More than 8000 first vaccinations have been administered in the county by the Rutland Health Primary care Network.

But the health body says it has received no fresh supplies of vaccine this week.

In an update today, the PCN said some 8125 patients have been vaccinated, including 99.3% of patients aged over 80, 95.6% of those aged between 75-79 and 81.6% of those aged 70-74.

Furthermore, residents of all 11 care homes, and approximately 800 health and social care staff and 118 housebound patients have also been vaccinated. Health and social care workers are also being offered vaccination at NHS staff sites at the Leicester Hospitals.

The update said: "Regrettably, NHS England have not sent us any vaccine this week. We are now booking appointments for next week, and are offering appointments to those people age 65-69 (cohort 5) who do not wish to attend the mass vaccination centre in Leicester; vulnerable patients (cohort 6) and carers."

"Over 2000 Rutland patients are included in cohort 6, and we are inviting them by age order as our vaccine supplies allow.

"Don't worry if you have not had an invitation – it will take us 2-3 weeks to complete the cohort and we are dependent on vaccine supplies from NHS England which we cannot control or predict."

People aged over 70 who have not yet received their first vaccination are asked to contact the PCN by emailing rutlandhealth.cvp@nhs/net.

The PCN further advised: "People in cohort 5 (aged 65-69) will also receive letters from the national NHS inviting them to mass vaccination centres using the national booking service.

"The national booking service does not allow you to book at the Rutland Vaccination Centre. If you have booked an appointment at a mass vaccination centre , and receive a SMS invitation from us, it would be helpful if you would reply and let us know that you have an appointment so that we can remove you from our booking list.

"You can do this simply by clicking on the link, entering your date of birth and adding the "I've booked elsewhere" option. This will mean that we can offer someone else a slot."

Rutland Primary Care Network also says those who have received their first vaccination from the PCN will soom be invited for the second stage of the programme, which starts on March 10.

"NHS England will send us the vaccine in the same quantities as the first round which started on December 21st, so you will be asked to attend the same vaccination centre at which your received your first jab. We will be sending appointments and SMS invitations to book as soon as the delivery time is confirmed."

The PCN also added this week: "If you have told us that you do not wish to receive a Covid-19 vaccination you will receive a letter from Rutland Health PCN confirming that you have declined vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious Covid-19 infection.

"If you have declined but later decide that you would like to have the vaccine please let your GP practice know or email us on [email protected] so that we can book you an appointment."

Meanwhile, West Leicestershire Clincial Commissioning Group is calling for over 65s to contact it for a vaccine.

Appointments are available at Leicester General, Glenfield and Leicester Royal Hospitals.

For details of how to apply, click on the link here.