Vaccination teams across Joined Up Care Derbyshire have reached a greater percentage of over-70s patients than almost any other area in the country, ahead of the national target of vaccinating everyone aged over 70 by February 15.

Official figures up to February 7 showed 92.5% of people aged over 70 had received a vaccination, which was the top performance for any system across the Midlands and the second best in England. Only Somerset, with 93.5%, performed better.

The results have been driven by the hard work by teams working across a range of different vaccination services, from those led GP practices and pharmacies to the large vaccination centre at Derby Arena.

A spokesperson for the Joined Up Care Derbyshire said it was a wonderful achievement, but remained focused on the work still to be done: “The government set an ambitious target to vaccinate patients over 70 by February 15, and today we can take a moment to reflect on some real success. Vaccination teams, as well as the hundreds of support staff and volunteers, have worked hard to reach so many people.

“These dedicated people prepared and delivered a world class vaccination programme that is delivering tangible results for people all across Derbyshire. Everyone involved should be proud of this achievement.

“We now have to continue this excellent work, ensuring we reach out to the next cohorts of patients and, most importantly, that we deliver its benefits to everyone as equally as possible.”

Letters have been sent from the National Booking System to people who are aged between 65 and 69 years old, or who are listed by their GP as being at risk. GP practices are also now contacting patients in these groups.

If you are in either of these groups, please be patient and wait for your appointment. If you are aged over 70 but have not yet been vaccinated, please contact your GP practice.