We will shortly be sharing more detailed information with regard to the vaccination rollout but in the meantime we want to assure everyone that GPs in Derbyshire are working hard to finalise the arrangements for COVID-19 vaccinations. This has been the subject of very stringent rules and regulations and you can be assured that the NHS is working around the clock to finalise the details. We are very confident that most vaccination hubs will be in place by early to mid-January.
The Pzier vaccines storage requirements have severely limited the locations from which the vaccines can be stored and given. We now have the approval of the Astra Zeneca/Oxford vaccine and this will enable us to plan for many more vaccination centres, because this vaccine is easier to transport and store. Patients aged 80 or over, care home staff and healthcare staff are the first priority groups for vaccinations, and these will be broadened once more vaccine becomes available.
Patients will be contacted when their vaccine is available and we are asking everyone to avoid contacting their surgery in the meantime. It is possible that people are hearing of neighbours receiving the vaccination, but this will only be because they are registered with a GP practice that is in the first round for the vaccination programme rollout, or are a member of NHS or adult care staff.
Everyone has an important part to play and were asking people to remember the following:
- please dont contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you;
- when we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments;
- please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.