As the island’s vaccination programme continues to be essential in the fight against coronavirus, we wanted to know what goes into delivering them.

Last week, the Department of Health and Social Care announced vaccine clinics across the island - not just at the Chester Street hub in Douglas.

The Manx Independent spoke to the DHSC, which is responsible for the delivery of the vaccinations about how the vaccination programme has been negotiated.

The DHSC said: ’Vaccination clinics are continuing to be delivered ensuring those who become eligible for their booster jabs, or have decided that they now wish to take up the offer of a first or second dose, are able to receive their vaccination.

’At the beginning of the booster campaign in September a decision was taken to predominately focus all of our vaccinations through the Chester Street hub in Douglas in order to capture a significant majority of those requiring boosters as quickly as possible, it was always the intention to run additional regional clinics towards the end of the booster programme.’

So what is the uptake like for vaccines now many of us have had our boosters?

The department stated: ’Since the end of December we have seen a decline in the weekly numbers of people coming forwards for a booster. It has gone from a maximum of 7,693 in one week, with 214 under-18 first and second doses, to around the 600 per week plus 120 to 130 first and second doses including under 18s.

’Our records show that at the end of December we had 10,000 outstanding booster doses, with around 250 to 400 additional due each week.

’Our analysis has shown that there were areas around the island where the uptake was lower than expected and the option of regional clinics to see if uptake could be increased was introduced.

’Uptake has continued to decline across all sites.

’As a consequence the programme will be looking to scale back further in the near future in line with our endemic approach, of course, this is all dependent on the virus and associated JCVI guidance.’

They added: ’Clinics have been held in Jurby, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin alongside a weekly offering in Douglas, with the latter offerings being either early or late in an attempt to broaden the appeal, with the remote clinics offering reduced capacity.

’We ensure we have sufficient vaccines for whichever age group arrive and their doses.

’We do have the flexibility of getting more vaccine to a clinic at short notice should it be required.’