Commenting on the news that the government has met its target of offering the Covid-19 vaccine to the top four priority groups, including people who are 70 and over, by 15 February, Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of national older people’s charity Independent Age said:
“This is a great achievement in the fightback against Covid-19. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has worked so hard across the NHS to hit this target and in doing so, has given hope to millions of people in later life.
“It is vital this pace continues, and everyone receives their second dose of the vaccine in a timely manner. But we also can’t forget about the people who had to turn down their invitation to receive the vaccine because their health issues mean they can’t get to a vaccination site.
“It has been a very challenging lockdown for people in this situation and those who care for them, and it is imperative people who are housebound or have difficulty travelling are given the protection the vaccine offers in their own homes as a matter of urgency.
“While there is still a way to go to ensure everyone is protected, including vaccinating care staff as soon as possible, the continued success of the roll-out can only bring the light at the end of the tunnel ever closer.
“Thank you and congratulations to the amazing NHS and wider team leading this important programme.”