Across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire people over the age of 80 have been getting their first vaccination to help protect them in the fight against Covid-19.

The roll out of Covid-19 vaccines to people most in need began at the two hospital hubs, Queens Medical Centre and Kings Mill Hospital, in early December.

Teams across the health and care system in Nottinghamshire are now getting ready for a further roll out of the vaccine into the community for those over 80 years old, care home residents and staff, and health and care workers at the highest risk.

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has ever undertaken. It is a huge challenge and one that has been rolled out at great pace. Our teams are working really hard but it’s important to remember this is only the first stage of the programme so we are learning and improving as we go.

“We understand many people are keen to see their family get the vaccine as soon as possible to protect them from getting seriously ill. Despite our best efforts, text messages inviting people over the age of 80 to have their vaccine have been shared amongst other groups. If you see a message directed at an 80 year old or someone who is most at risk asking them to call a number to receive a vaccine, please don’t pick up the phone unless you are calling on their behalf. We need to protect the phone lines for those most in need.

“In time, everyone will be vaccinated so for now we are urging the public to work with us and be patient so we can first vaccinate those who need it most.”

During January Local Vaccination Services at GP surgeries and other community sites will start to open across Nottinghamshire.

Dr John Brewin, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare said: “The NHS is experienced in delivering millions of vaccines a year, and is moving quickly to roll out this vaccine to those who need it, it’s important that we remember this will be a marathon, not a sprint.

“The recent rise in cases and emergence of a new variant of the virus also shows that we cannot let our guard down now. NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as continuing to be there for everyone who needs care.”

The public have an important part to play to help:
• please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you;
• when we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments;
• and please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccination, please click here.