AS Blackburn with Darwen’s coronavirus vaccination total nears 30,000, those waiting for immunisation have been told ‘every jab can save a life’.

Health bosses are urging all residents to take up the offer of inoculation against the potentially deadly infection.

Dr Mohammed Umer, clinical director for Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Networks, has revealed that almost 30,000 people aged 65 and over in the borough have been vaccinated since the programme began in December.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, health and social staff, care home residents and staff, those who are housebound and carers have also been invited to book their vaccination.

Jabs are being delivered across the borough including at Blackburn Cathedral, community pharmacies, GP surgeries and hospitals.

Dr Umer said: “This has been a tremendous local team effort. Colleagues across the NHS are doing an incredible job to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history.

“The public have an important part to play to help them by not contacting the NHS to seek a vaccine. We will contact you when it is your turn.

“When we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments and please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives. It is also vitally important that you continue to get tested if you are showing symptoms.”

His message has been backed up by Blackburn with Darwen Council public health director Professor Dominic Harrison, who said: “Every jab counts – every jab can save a life.

“The Pennine Lancashire vaccination programme is performing really well and offering increased protection from the risk of hospitalisation and deaths every day to residents.

“The Burnley mass vaccination site is now running well and will expand its capacity this week. For the cohorts vaccinated so far we have relatively low rates of active vaccine refusal and we are working closely between the NHS and local authorities to make sure that no one who is due a vaccination is missed.”

People who book for their vaccination will be greeted by volunteers, who will marshal car parks and register them on arrival.