First Covid jab offered to all residents in Cheshire West care homes

More than 85 per cent of residents across the borough, including Northwich and Winsford, have taken up the offer.

Cllr Val Armstrong, cabinet member for adult social care and public health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "This has provided care home residents, staff and their families much-needed reassurance and protection.

Cllr Val Armstrong.

"We know this past year has been an incredibly difficult time for many residents and staff, as well as their friends and families and we hope this is a step in the right direction towards some kind of normality in the future.

"We want our care homes to be safe and secure and the vaccine will hopefully bring that level of reassurance.

“There is however still a long way to go and it’s really important that we don’t become complacent."

The vaccination is being led by the NHS – and the strong logistical team effort means that Cheshire West has been successful in meeting the national target of administering the jab to care home residents and workers.

Dr Andrew Wilson, chairman of NHS Cheshire clinical commissioning group (CCG), said: “GP-led teams have been pulling out all the stops to help protect care home residents and staff across Cheshire.

Dr Andrew Wilson

"Understandably, many care home residents and staff have been particularly concerned about their health throughout the Covid-19 response.

"Once time has passed for it to have full effect, vaccination significantly reduces the chance of serious illness.

“I know many doctors, nurses and GP practice staff have been volunteering their free time to help vaccinate thousands of care home residents and staff across Cheshire. A fantastic team effort.”

For more information on the roll-out see the CCG's website, or to find out more about volunteering click here.