Britain has now vaccinated over 10 million people, including more than 155,000 people across Surrey Heartlands. Excellent progress is being made by our local vaccination teams, with the majority of the top four priority groups now vaccinated. This means we are on track for meeting the mid-February deadline of offering a vaccination to these most at-risk groups.
A new study by Oxford University has shown that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine offers protection of 76% up to 12 weeks after a single dose. The data also supports the 4-12 week dosing interval recommended by many global regulators, with vaccine efficacy rising from 54.9% with an interval of less than six weeks to 82.4% when spaced 12 or more weeks apart. Further analysis shows the vaccine may have a substantial effect on transmission, with a 67% reduction in positive PCR swabs among those vaccinated.
The Government has now secured early access to over 400 million doses of vaccines in total – more than enough to offer all over-18s the first dose by September. Throughout the pandemic, Britain has also been a long-standing champion of ensuring equitable access to vaccines around the globe. We are the biggest donor of CoVax, the global vaccine alliance, committing £548 million in British aid to help distribute 1.3 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.
Those in the eligible groups to receive a vaccination are able to have their jab at a GP-led local vaccination service; at Epsom Racecourse; at two large pharmacies in Guildford offering vaccinations; or through a roving service for those who are housebound and in care homes.
Residents who receive a letter from NHS England can wait until they hear directly from their GP service if they don’t want to travel to one of the larger sites. The full list of all local GP vaccination sites is available here.
For anyone experiencing transport difficulties, the normal range of transport arrangements through voluntary organisations is 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.
Please remember that the NHS is asking you not contact your GP about vaccines. They will contact you by telephone or text when it’s your turn, or you will receive a letter from NHS England to book an appointment at Epsom Racecourse or the local pharmacy services. Some Surrey patients might also be offered a centre outside the county depending on exactly where they live.
If you do have questions or concerns, there is 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].
