Dame Patricia Routledge urges people to get the jab after being vaccinated in Tangmere

Her message comes as the NHS confirmed that all of Chichester’s most vulnerable residents have now been offered the vaccine - meeting the national target.

And 92 per cent of these residents –people over 70, care homes residents and those deemed clinically extremely vulnerable – have received their first jab.

Dr Sandeep Mtharu, Clinical Director of the Chichester Alliance of Medical Practices PCN which is running the Selsey and Tangmere services said: “We are really pleased to achieve this milestone and know that so many of our patients have now received this vaccination in a kind and efficient way.

“This has all been thanks to the incredible hard work and commitment shown by the Chichester GPs and their teams, including our marshalls, who all have worked round the clock to make it possible, to set up these services, and provide this vaccination to our most vulnerable patients, all whilst still keeping surgeries open.”

Dame Patricia Routledge, who is best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, was in the first priority cohort to receive the vaccine.

She said: “I have had my first jab and I would urge everyone to take advantage of any invitation to do so.

“The best scientific minds have been working on this and the outcome will be positive.

“Get your jab and stay safe.”

Dr Alice Chishick, GP Partner at Tangmere Medical Centre, has been vaccinating residents in Tangmere.

She said: “A large team of doctors, nurses and administrative staff in Chichester have worked exceptionally hard to get the sites in Tangmere and Selsey up and running, especially with both sites going live over the same weekend.

“There was a great sense of relief and excitement when we received the first delivery of Coronavirus vaccine so we could start to vaccinate our patients.

“Everyone we have seen has been so grateful and relieved to be getting their first vaccination.

“Although it will be a long time before our lives can return to some sort of normality, the roll out of the vaccination programme is a vital step in the right direction.”

The GP led vaccination services are now focusing on the next priority group – people with underlying health conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes or lung disease.

People in this group will start to be contacted to arrange their appointments.

These teams will also be providing the second dose vaccination for all those who have had their first at these sites.

All those who have received their jab have had their details recorded and will start to be contacted for their second appointment in line with the 12 week timetable for the final dose.

Amy Galea, Executive Director of the Sussex COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “It has been fantastic to see the progress in Chichester and the efforts of all of the teams to set up their services and roll out this vital protection for their communities.

“The dedication of the vaccinators, coordinators and all of the volunteers who have been working across the GP led vaccination services in this area has really been central to reaching this significant milestone and the number of people who have now been vaccinated.

“At the same time as setting up these vaccination services, GP practices have been continuing to provide day to day care for their patients and I would personally like to thank all of your teams for this continued support for local people.

“There is still a long way to go until all of our population has had their vaccination, but we need to recognise this brilliant start and just what has been achieved in 10 weeks.

“We would like to remind people and stress the importance that even if you have received your first vaccine, please follow the current restrictions and make sure you continue to observe hands, face and space.”

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination, visit the Sussex Health and Care Partnership vaccination programme site.