Rutland Health has now carried out more than 30,000 vaccinations.

In a statement this week, the primary care network said it had carried out 30066 Covid vaccinations at the Rutland vaccination centre, at the county council offices in Oakham.

This included includes 18967 first doses and 11099 second doses.

The update said: "We are now delivering first doses to people over 35 and an accelerated 2nd dose programme."

With first doses, anyone aged over 40 who has not received a vaccination should contact their GP practice to book an appointment at the vaccination centre at Rutland County Council, or call 119 to book at a mass vaccination centre in Leicester.

People aged 18- 40 will be offered the PfizerBioNtech vaccine.

Invitations to book at the Rutland Vaccination Centre are sent by SMS. The national booking service does not allow you to book at the Rutland site.

Concerning second doses, the update said the government announced on Friday that from May 25th the second doses for Cohorts 1-9 (age over 50 and clinically vulnerable people) will be brought forward to a minimum of 8 weeks after the first.

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Rutland Health said: "We have not been notified of any additional vaccine to manage the extra 2500 vaccinations that we will need to do, so please be patient.

"Over the weekend people with second dose appointments after 31st May will have received SMS messages cancelling their appointments and inviting them to rebook earlier.

"We have added as many clinics as our vaccine supply allows for the w/c 24th May. As soon as we receive notification of additional deliveries of vaccine we will add new clinics, so please keep checking if you haven't been able to bring your second vaccination forward."

The update continued: "We cannot give second doses before 8 weeks. This is because research shows that the vaccine is more effective after an 8 week interval.

"Please do not book your appointment before 8 weeks because you will be turned away unless you have clinical reasons for an earlier vaccination (such as starting chemotherapy treatment)."

It added: "You should have the same vaccine for your first and second doses. This includes women who are pregnant who are due their second dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine.

"Everyone who had their first vaccination before the end of March can now book their second vaccination."

Further details can be found here.

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