EVERY resident in Winsford aged over 80 has now been offered a Covid vaccine, say doctors.

And the vast majority of residents and staff in the town's care homes have also been invited to have the jab.

Almost 1,000 elderly men and women received their second Pfizer Covid innoculation earlier this month.

A team of GPs and nurses from the town's five surgeries administered the second dose in a meticulously organised operation at Dene Drive Primary Care Centre.

Northwich Guardian: Wharton grandad Geoff Greenhough, 84, after having the second dose of the Covid vaccine at Dene Drive Wharton grandad Geoff Greenhough, 84, after having the second dose of the Covid vaccine at Dene Drive

Wharton grandad Geoff Greenhough, 84, after having the second dose of the Covid vaccine at Dene Drive

Swanlow GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths said: "The Covid vaccination programme continues to go well. As we receive supplies of vaccine we are inviting people and administering it."

For the past few weeks, residents have been receiving the Astra/Zeneca Oxford vaccine and each practice has been operating independently vaccinating their own patients.

"We have been working through the 75-79-year-olds and will soon be in a position to begin vaccinating our 70-74-year-olds and the clinically extremely vulnerable," said Dr Griffiths.

"It's really important that people remain patient and wait for us to contact them. We are vaccinating in priority cohort order. People will receive an invitation when we reach their group."

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Residents are urged to continue to follow the hands, face and space guidance, after receiving the vaccine.

Dr Griffiths said: "Those who have only received one dose need to understand that we believe full protection is only achieved following your second dose.

"Even if you have had two doses we don't know if there may be people who have not gained immunity and we also don't know if you still might be able to carry and transmit the virus to others.

"Please continue to be cautious and 'act as though you have the virus' in order to protect others."

Doctors have been overwhelmed by messages of appreciation from residents.

"We have had many expressions of thanks from patients and this means a lot," said Dr Griffiths. "The doctors believe that the vaccination programme presents our best opportunity to get this pandemic under control.

"We are grateful to the people of Winsford for being patient and engaging with us when we put on our vaccination clinics.

"We continue to be grateful to all the volunteers who have helped us so far. It is fantastic to see the community coming together in such a positive way."