MORE than 17,000 Covid-19 vaccinations have been given by the vaccine team at St. Mary’s Hospital in a matter of weeks as part of the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has known.

The NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Hub at St. Mary’s Hospital has offered all NHS and social care staff, as well as other emergency services organisations staff and key service personnel across the Island, both doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination.

A dedicated team of more than 100 clinicians, vaccinators, administrative staff and volunteers have worked seven days a week to ensure all groups are offered their first and second vaccine doses within the required timeframe.

Mary Aubrey, IW NHS Trust chief nurse, said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few months in getting as many people vaccinated as possible.

“I am delighted we have been able to vaccinate 85% of our staff as well as many other people across the Island. Over 17,000 vaccines given is an amazing achievement.

“A Covid vaccine is our best protection and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against the virus when they are invited by the NHS.”

The NHS on the Isle of Wight is continuing to vaccinate people, with more information available online.

Vaccination lead, Kay Marriott, added: “The measure of a successful project is when people receive a well-led and super organised service.

"We have received so many wonderful comments and compliments which serves as testimony that we have delivered a service to be proud of.”