More people to be invited for Covid-19 vaccine
All people living in BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire who fall into one of the top four priority groups for the coronavirus vaccine have now been offered a first dose.
More than 220,000 people – mostly those who are over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable – have now received their first coronavirus vaccine from one of the 27 vaccination clinics up and running across the region.
The vaccination programme will now begin contacting those next in the queue to receive the vaccine, those aged between 65 and 69 and anyone aged 16-64 who has an underlying health condition.
As part of this phase, GPs have been asked to offer the jabs to all clinically vulnerable patients, while people aged 65 and over will, in the first instance, be invited by the NHS to book a vaccination at one of the vaccination centres.
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality for BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissiong Group, said:
“To have reached such a milestone in the space of just eight weeks is completely phenomenal, and I applaud every single person who has helped to make this possible.
“However, while it is hugely important for us to take time to reflect on how far we’ve come, we must keep our momentum going to make sure we have vaccinated all adults by the autumn.
“A vast number of people continue to wait patiently to be vaccinated, and I hope that each and every person who is contacted over the next few weeks takes up the vaccination offer without hesitation.
“If you are in the initial group of people and, for whatever reason, still haven’t taken up the offer to be vaccinated, it isn’t too late. Please get in touch with the NHS and book an appointment.”
While the vaccination programme continues, people are asked to carry on following the latest government guidance around social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing.
Apart from those aged over 70 or classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, people are advised not to contact the NHS regarding their coronavirus vaccination appointment, as people will be contacted in priority order.
Information on the vaccination programme can be seen at www.bswccg.nhs.uk, while details of the vaccine itself are available online at www.gov.uk or www.nhs.uk.
Share your views on changes to services
Since March 2020, NHS and social care services have had to change the way they work to meet coronavirus safety guidelines, while voluntary and community groups have stepped up their support to help local people through the pandemic.
We want to understand how these changes have been working for you, what's been good and what could be better.
