GPs at Kingswood Health Centre have begun vaccinating today (Tuesday 15 December) to the delight of MP Chris Skidmore, as the roll-out of the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history gains momentum.
Those most at risk are able to receive the vaccine first and a phased roll-out will continue into the New Year.
Practices have been working together in groups called ‘Primary Care Networks’ to provide the vaccine across the local area. People aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers, will be the first to be invited to get the jab – with local people urged to wait their turn to be called.
MP for Kingswood Chris Skidmore said:
“I delighted to see Kingswood Health Centre as one of the first ‘Wave 1’ sites – and the very first in South Gloucestershire – administering vaccinations to local people who are vulnerable.
I know that local GPs, health professionals and South Gloucestershire Council have been working around the clock to get ready to roll-out this immunisation programme and I congratulate all those involved for their incredible efforts.
We have all waited so long for this day to arrive and it gives us hope that all of our collective endeavours throughout 2020 to follow the guidance and keep each other safe have been worth the effort because we can now look forward to a much brighter 2021.”
He added:
“It’s important to remember that we should not contact the surgery in relation to vaccination - you will be contacted when the surgery is ready to book you in. In the meantime, it is still vital that we keep following the guidance: Hands, Face, Space; to protect ourselves, our family, friends, neighbours and our whole community.”
While there will be vaccine for everyone who needs it, the scale of the task means it is going to take some time, and we need to stay mindful of the threat of the virus and do everything we can to limit spread.
Due to limited early supply of the vaccine, the Wave 1 sites have been selected on the basis of geography, the number of over 80s in the local population and operational readiness. More local sites will be announced in the coming weeks.
