HEALTH chiefs have announced that more than 95 per cent of people aged 70 and over in the borough have now received the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine.

Latest figures reveal 95.2 per cent of over 70s in the Dudley borough have received the injection as the immunisation campaign continues at pace to protect the most vulnerable from the virus.

The announcement came on Friday (February 19) with the news hailed a great success.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "I am absolutely delighted with this news that the vaccination programme is progressing well.

"The vaccine is the best possible way to protect our most vulnerable, at-risk residents.

"It is fantastic to hear so many have received it already, with a definite timescale in place to continue the good work that has been done already.

"We owe a huge thanks to all involved in making this happen, from Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group to the council’s health and wellbeing team, as well as of course all social care staff who continue to do such a sterling job on the frontline."

Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said: "We continue to make incredible progress with our vaccination rollout.

"Our success thus far is a testament to the hard work of so many and I would like to thank everyone involved.

"My message to everyone as the NHS hits an important target to have vaccinated people most at-risk of Covid-19, is to get your jab when it’s offered, and for those people in the top four priority groups, please get in touch directly to book your appointment."