Covid vaccination rate falls during Christmas week

A total of 263,445 covid vaccinations were delivered.between 21 and 27 December, according to the latest data published by NHS England. This equates to a daily rate of 37,635 over the Christmas period. 

Previous NHSE information covered the first 13 days of the programme from 8 to 20 December. Over that period an average of 40,197 vaccinations were delivered each day. However, GPs only joined the vaccination programme on 14 Dec, meaning the run rate during that second week was significantly higher. 

HSJ understands the Christmas week average was pushed down by very few vaccinations taking place at the end of period which, of course, included Christmas and Boxing day, especially at GP practices.

HSJ also understands the run rate had risen to around 40,000 by 29 Dec.

Almost 60 per cent (157,724) of the total number of vaccinations given during the Christmas period were to people over 80 years old. This compares to 70 per cent between 8 December and 20 December. . 

A total of 786,000 people have received the Pfizer vaccination since it was approved earlier this month.

The NHS vaccination programme is being expanded after the Oxord-AstraZeneca vaccine was approved yesterday (30 December).

The NHS announced today it is to provide GPs with an extra £10 for every care home resident they are able to vaccinate against covid by the end of January in an “accelerated drive to protect the most vulnerable”.

There are now more than 700 vaccination sites, a mixture of GP-run centres and hospital hubs, now delivering jabs across the country.