POLITICIANS and health care professionals have praised health care workers in the county after it was revealed almost 80% of over 80s in Worcestershire have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Simon Trickett, chief executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG, said: “I’m delighted that nearly 80% of our over-80s in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have already had their jab. Thanks to the incredible work by the teams responsible for planning and delivering the vaccine, we currently have the highest vaccination rate across the Midlands region.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen the very best of the local health and care system, with everyone working together as a single team and everyone playing their part. The data released today is a fantastic illustration of how successful that work has been through this initial phase of the vaccination programme”.

“Reaching those remaining residents remains our highest priority over the coming weeks, as well as continuing to offer the vaccine to those over 70, people in care homes and our health and social care workers.

Following the news Worcester MP Robin Walker, said: "I’m really pleased to see the roll-out in Worcestershire is ahead of many other areas nationally and that they are reaching such a high proportion of the key categories.

"I think what’s been very impressive is the level of take up of the over 80s and also the frontline staff in both the NHS and also in social care.

"I’m due to visit the vaccination centre in St John's today and we will be doing a visit to see how work is going there, but getting the St Peter’s site up and running will be a crucial step forward and we’ll be able to reach more people much quicker."

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, added: "It’s fantastic news that 70% of over 80s have received the vaccine, and a big thank you goes out to those involved at the acute trust and community hospitals, as well as doctors surgeries, nurses and volunteers.

"I think the hospitals are doing an absolutely incredible job really in extremely difficult circumstances, because one doesn’t realise until you see the pictures on television of what they’re going through on the wards.

"We have to the roll-out the vaccine and from what I can see it is going really well."