Plans to reduce COVID-19 vaccine supply in the North West by a third is a kick in the teeth for Cumbria, the leader of the county council said.
NHS England has confirmed that the number of vaccines delivered to South Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside will be cut by a third next month.
The move comes because of national shortages and the need for other regions to catch up with vaccinating their priority groups, the NHS said.
Vaccination sites in Barrow, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Millom, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston are likely to be affected by the decision.
Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “Frankly this feels like a kick in the teeth for Cumbria.
“The vaccine roll-out here has been one of the most effective in the country thanks to outstanding work by our local hospitals, GP practices and others.
“To now find out that the county will be penalised for that success will rightly frustrate local people who are waiting patiently for their turn.
“We urgently need to understand more about the Government’s plans for vaccine distribution and why the county appears to be being put on the ‘back-burner’ for vaccine roll out.
“Our hospitals are under enormous pressure, and whilst the lockdown is reducing the number of cases, it is vital that the vaccination programme is rolled out as quickly as possible.
“The Government needs to ensure that there is enough vaccine for everyone, rather than diverting supplies meant for Cumbria to other parts of the country. ”
