AN MP has praised the "fantastic start" of the NHS Covid -19 vaccination programme which has administered millions of doses so far, including more than 150,000 in West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

Stuart Andrew, who represents Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, has welcomed the Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan – the biggest vaccination programme in British history.

In the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership area a total of 157, 594 vaccinations have been administered, as part of plans to vaccinate the top 4 priority groups by mid-February. So far, more than 5 million vaccinations have been administered to 4.6 million people across the UK.

The government is aiming to offer vaccines to every elderly care home resident by the end of the month. So far, more than half of those aged over 80 and care home residents have received a vaccine.

It is opening up new vaccination sites every day to ensure everyone is within ten miles of a vaccination centre. A total of 65 pharmacy sites are joining the programme this week and early next week with more to come.

Mr Andrew said: "The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in our country’s history, has got off to a fantastic start thanks to the hard work of all of those involved. It’s great to see that so many people in my area have received the vaccine as we lead the world in our fight back against COVID-19. I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months – and I urge everyone to do the same when they get the call up."