COVID programme to end after more than three million vaccinations

The COVID vaccination programme is set to end on January 31, 2024.

After that date people will have to wait until any future national seasonal campaign is instigated unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens their immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.

Since COVID vaccinations first began being offered in December 2020 it is estimated that 3,114,137 vaccines have been administered across the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) area.

With the public’s support and thanks to the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers from across our communities, including GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies and voluntary, community, and faith organisations our local area continues to be one of the best performing in England for ensuring everyone eligible is easily able to access the protection offered by vaccination. Their hard work and dedication is still very much appreciated.

For those still to get protected it is not too late.  Although the COVID vaccination programme is set to close the virus remains in our communities and those without the protection of vaccination remain at risk of serious illness.

Pop-up clinics will continue to operate until the end of January and the local website www.sneevaccine.org.uk is updated daily with dates, times and locations of walk-in clinics where the COVID vaccine is offered.

Those eligible for a COVID vaccination:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, Covid-19 chapter (Green Book)
• frontline health and social care workers
• persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and
• staff working in care homes for older adults

Elizabeth Moloney, who has successfully led the COVID vaccination programme for the ICB, says: “This is a bittersweet time for us all, because on the one hand we know that having administered over three million vaccines we’ve saved countless  lives and prevented serious illness across our communities.

“Yet, at the same time, we reflect on the tragedy and sadness that this virus has caused, and the havoc it has reaped on people’s lives and to their livelihoods.

“It is important though that we remain positive about our achievements and give thanks to everyone who has had a role in making this vaccination programme such a success.”