HAMPSHIRE residents have been praised by health leaders as the nation marks the covid vaccination anniversary

Health leaders across the county have shared a heartfelt thank you as the nation marks the first anniversary of the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.

More than 3.26m million doses of the vaccine have been delivered across Hampshire communities since it was launched on December 8, 2020.

Covid jabs have been delivered across GP-led vaccination services, hospital hubs, mass vaccination centres and pharmacy-led services.

From festivals to fire stations, circuses to cruise ships and from boxing clubs to places of worship – countless walk-ins, pop-ups and outreach clinics have been held to support as many eligible people as possible to be vaccinated.

World War II veteran Michael Tibbs made history last December when he was among the first in the UK to receive the vaccine - on day one of the national roll-out.

The centenarian, who served as a Submarine Lieutenant in the Second World War, was applauded after receiving the jab just after his 99th birthday.

He has since had his second dose and booster vaccinations and recently celebrated his 100th birthday

Michael was vaccinated at Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) in Portsmouth exactly one year ago today.

Speaking on the first anniversary of the vaccination Programme, he encouraged others to take up the offer.

He said: “It’s been a difficult and challenging year for everyone and I feel very privileged to have been the first vaccinated at Queen.

David Noyes, Chief Operating Officer at Solent NHS Trust, said: “It has been an extraordinary period for all of us; our people and our communities have reacted and responded brilliantly in the face of genuinely unprecedented challenges.

“It has been a huge privilege to lead the mass vaccination centre programme across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and I want to play tribute to our incredible workforce, legion of volunteers and our partner agencies who have come together to play a major role in the fightback against the virus.”