Britain has now vaccinated over 5 million people, which is 10% of the adult population. 30,000 people have been vaccinated across the East of Surrey and Mid Sussex. And by the end of this weekend, all care home residents and staff should have received their vaccinations too.
These are incredible achievements by health and social care workers, public health officials, Ministers and volunteers. Over the next few weeks, the roll-out will be accelerated even further, with the arrival of millions more doses to Britain.
Locally, we now have five vaccinations centres: the Westway Community Centre, Caterham; Tandridge District Council Offices, Oxted; Canon/Woodhatch site, Redhill; Centenary Hall, Smallfield; Holmhurst Practice, Redhill. A new large-scale NHS Vaccination Centre has also been opened at Epsom Racecourse, one of 17 across the country.
Residents who are over 80 years old and have not yet been vaccinated will be invited to book a vaccination in two ways. If they live within 45 minutes of Epsom Racecourse, they will be sent a letter from the National Booking Service inviting them to book themselves an appointment. Older residents who find technology a barrier will be contacted by their GP practice to book a vaccination at one of the local centres.
For anyone experiencing transport difficulties, the normal range of transport arrangements through voluntary organisations are still operating in a Covid-secure way, and patients can use the normal methods of contact. Practices are normally aware of the more elderly patients who have a need for transport and will have various contacts to use.
I understand that many of you will be keen to get vaccinated as soon as possible, but it is really important that you don’t contact your local surgery about vaccines unless they have contacted you first. If you do have concerns or questions, there is now a dedicated vaccination email and phone service you can contact: [email protected] / 0300 561 2500 – lines are open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday only.
As ever, if you need my assistance or have any questions, please contact me at [email protected].
