Bury's GPs are celebrating hitting a huge milestone in the fight against Covid-19.
Doctors from across the borough have helped give out 200,000 vaccinations in the ten months since the beginning of the year.
Dr Rachel Hubber, a local GP who runs Bury's Primary Care Network, spoke up about how the town has tried to combat the virus.
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She shared the story of a woman in her 90s who came to get her jab just a week after her husband had died from coronavirus.
The woman told Dr Hubber: "It might have got him, but it won’t get me."
In total, around 99,000 first doses have been given in Bury, with 93,000 second doses and 8,000 boosters so far.
The town's overall vaccination total is around 260,000, as some residents have gone outside the borough to regional centres for their jabs or received them at a local hospital.
Dr Hubber said: "This year has been extremely challenging and rewarding in equal measure. To see local GP practices come together at short notice alongside other health colleagues and to be supported throughout by volunteers and the local community has been a tremendous achievement.
"We’re all proud to have been a part of the biggest mass vaccination programme in the country’s history. I’d like to thank every single member of our extended teams, staff and volunteers alike, who have all played a vital role in giving the people of Bury the protection they need from this deadly virus.
“Thanks also to the people of Bury, who have come forward in such numbers to be vaccinated. By doing so, they have not just kept themselves safe, but also their families, friends and colleagues."
Covid boosters will be offered to residents in Bury who had their second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago. People will be invited in priority order, like the earlier phases of the vaccination programme, meaning that the most vulnerable will receive theirs first.
Free flu jabs are also available to everyone over 50 and those who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or COPD. Health and care workers are also eligible.
Dr Hubber added: “Anyone who has had flu knows that it’s not just a bad cold - it can be very serious. Getting the vaccine will help protect you and reduce the chance of the virus spreading. Please come along when invited and get your flu jab and Covid boosters together.”
Vaccination clinics continue to be held at the Elizabethan Suite, Bury; Prestwich Walk-In Centre; Ramsbottom Civic Suite; and, more recently for booster jabs, Radcliffe United Reformed Church, which has replaced the Bealey’s Hospital site.
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