A Step Closer to Normality?

As we go to print, the NHS has begun the biggest mass vaccination campaign in its history to protect people against Covid-19. So far, nearly 4 million people (and counting) in the UK have received their rst vaccination and are about to be rolled out to the over 70’s. In England, some hospitals will operate 24/7 on a trial basis and 10 new mass vaccinations centres have just opened - all in a bid for the NHS to meet its target of o ering 15 million people in the UK a dose by 15th February.

WHO IS GETTING THE VACCINE FIRST?

As expected, the most vulnerable in society are receiving their vaccines rst as set out by the Government’s 9 priority groups list. The “majority” of vulnerable people in the UK will be vaccinated throughout January and February. These include: People aged 80 and over People who live or work in care homes Health and Social Care workers at high risk It’s hoped all the priority groups will be vaccinated, possibly by May. The next phase will focus on the rest of the population over 18 years, who are much less likely to be ill with Covid-19.

WHEN WILL MY VACCINE TAKE PLACE?

When it’s your turn, you will be invited by letter or by phone to book an appointment.

• If you are registered with a GP in Salford, you will be called by a staff member from a member of the local COVID-19 vaccination team.

• If you live in Salford but are registered with a practice outside the borough, you will be contacted by representatives from that local authority area.

• The caller will identify themselves and say they are calling on behalf of the NHS in Salford and they are getting in touch about booking an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.

• The caller will then offer dates and times for you to attend clinic. They will also give the location of the site where you will receive it. This will not be your usual surgery.

Both the Pfizer and the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccines are being used in Salford. Both require two doses so it’s vital you return for your second appointment when invited. [Source: www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/covid-19-vaccine]

DON’T CALL THEM, THEY WILL CALL YOU

Please be patient and wait to be contacted by the vaccination team. Avoid calling your GP - your turn will come. Local surgeries are inundated with calls from patients wanting to know what to do. They are politely asking people not to contact them for vaccination appointments - they will contact you.

By now, most of us will know someone who has suffered, or sadly passed away, from Covid-19 complications. Others are losing jobs, businesses are closing - some for good, and a whole generation is being delivered a far from ideal standard of education. Disturbing numbers (of all ages) are suffering with mental health issues... the list goes on.

The only way out of lockdown it would seem is to follow the sensible advice to control the spread by adhering to the rules and getting vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. We all need to play our part.

The 9 Priority Groups:

1. Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers.

2. All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers.

3. All those 75 years of age and over.

4. All those 70 years of age and over. Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

5. All those 65 years of age and over

6. All individuals aged 16 to 64 years with underlying health conditions, which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality.

7. All those 60 years of age and over.

8 . All those 55 years of age and over.

9. All those 50 years of age and over.

It is estimated that together, these groups represent around 99% of preventable mortality from COVID-19.