Jacob Rees-Mogg shares his thoughts on the vaccination programme in his monthly column here:

Last week, I received confirmation from Nadhim Zahawi, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment, that two more centres have been opened in and near to North East Somerset to deliver the Coronavirus vaccination.

The new hubs at the Bath and West Showground and Bath Racecourse are in addition to some GP surgeries and the Ashton Gate Stadium that was opened a couple of weeks ago for those prioritised to receive their inoculation.

The most recently created hubs are two of more than thirty that have been established across the country as the vaccination drive continues to accelerate. There is now a network of almost fifty large-scale centres, which are capable of vaccinating thousands of people every week.

People aged seventy-five years old or over are being invited to book a vaccination at the centres or at one of more than seventy pharmacy services now in operation. If people cannot travel to a Vaccination Centre they can be vaccinated by a local GP service or a hospital hub.

I am delighted that the NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in NHS history, is off to such a strong start. NHS staff continue to work tirelessly around the clock not only to care for those affected by the virus and non-Corona illnesses or ailments, but also to expedite the immunisation delivery.

The Government has, since the genesis of the pandemic, been determined to save as many lives as possible and this effort is now being bolstered by vaccinating the most vulnerable as swiftly as possible in tandem with those who care for them.

A great push has been made to immunise priority groups in line with the guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. This was initially restricted to those aged eighty years old and over, along with care home residents and staff. However, after the excellent start made by the Government and all those involved with implementation, it has taken the decision to give vaccinations to all those aged seventy-years-old and over, as well as those classed as clinically vulnerable.

I have received messages from some concerned constituents about the way in which the vaccine is being delivered, often wondering why they or family members in this category have not yet received an appointment. The Minister has provided reassurance that all people aged eighty years old or above will continue to be prioritised for the inoculation and asks them to wait until they receive communication from the NHS.

The newest openings mean that vaccinations are now available from more than 1,300 NHS sites in England. In the coming weeks, more will be added which will enable the Government to reach its ambitious, but necessary target.

It is important to remember that with transmission rates continuing to be so high the NHS remains under pressure, but Israel has seen a considerable improvement following its vaccine programme, so it is to be hoped that the same will happen here.

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