Health chiefs have revealed that two million Covid-19 vaccinations have now been given to people in Staffordshire to help protect them against the coronavirus.

Since the vaccination drive was launched in December last year, 863,206 first doses, 793,550 second doses and 346,415 booster jabs have been administered at vaccination centres across the region – a total of 2,003,171 vaccinations.

The two millionth jab was administered yesterday (November 30).

Dr Paddy Hannigan, Clinical Lead for the vaccination programme, said that reaching the two million vaccinations milestone was a fantastic achievement and that the emergence of the new Omicron variant only highlighted the importance of vaccinating as many people as possible.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted that we've been able offer two million jabs to people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as it means that they are now better protected against COVID-19, which will keep them and their loved ones safer, and help to reduce the strain upon our local health services – especially during the busy winter period.

"As the discovery of the Omicron variant has shown, Covid-19 is still a very real threat to people in our community and we would urge anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to come forward and get their jab to give themselves the best possible protection against the coronavirus.

"Hitting this two-million figure is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our vaccination teams who have been out there in our clinics administering the vaccine seven days a week, and the fantastic support we have had from our partners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service."

Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet support lead on public health. said: "The vaccination programme has been a real game-changer and a big thank you goes out to all those who have already come forward to have their jabs and helped us reach this milestone.

"Having the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, so please don't delay and get the first, second dose and booster as soon as you can."

Councillor Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This is just fantastic news, what an incredible milestone to reach in less than 12 months, with 2 million people across our communities vaccinated in such a short period of time.

"This achievement fills me with pride. Everyone from the vaccination teams, testing teams, and not forgetting our community volunteers have been just brilliant, and I thank them all for their tireless efforts. Getting vaccinated, as well as regular testing, are our best defences in protecting ourselves and our loved ones."

Station Manager Richard Williams, Covid-19 lead for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It is very encouraging to have reached this impressive vaccination milestone. We have worked closely with partners and colleagues across the region to support the vaccine effort."

Appointments for vaccines can be booked online through the National Booking System by visiting www.nhs.uk, or by calling 119.

Up-to-date details and times for all Staffordshire COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics can be found at https://www.twbstaffsandstoke.org.uk/coronavirus/how-to-get-a-vaccine-where-and-travelling