People across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have this week started to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of the largest immunisation programme in UK history. Invitations to book an appointment are being sent to priority groups, with those aged 80 or older. Care home workers, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk will be among the first to receive the vaccination.
We are now booking Covid-19 vaccinations for eligible patients, starting with those over 80 years of age. Please wait to be contacted by the practice. At the moment the vaccination appointments are being held at the Shropshire Education Conference Centre (SECC) which is on the RSH site – come in the main entrance and follow the road all the way to the back, the SECC building will then be on your right.
People across the country are being prioritised in line with national recommendations. This means the most vulnerable will be vaccinated first, with everyone being offered the vaccine over the next few months. The Hospital Hub at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is the first venue in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to deliver vaccinations. Further centres are currently being prepared and staff being trained to expand the number of delivery locations across the county in the near future to deliver vaccinations closer to where people live.
Dr Charlotte Hart, a GP and Clinical Director for Shrewsbury Primary Care Network, said: “All GPs are encouraging their patients to make sure their contact details are up to date, so that when the time is right they will receive a letter inviting them to book an appointment for their Covid-19 vaccine. We are receiving many calls from people eager to find out how and when they can receive their Covid jab. We’re asking everyone to be patient, wait until we contact you, rather than calling us, as our staff are incredibly busy as we move into winter. Vaccinating everyone will take some time, but locally we are moving incredibly quickly, and you will be offered an appointment at the right time.”
Dr Arne Rose, Medical Director at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We’re really excited to be one of the vaccination hubs and to be able to do our bit to help protect our local communities. The arrival of the vaccine is a turning point for us all in fighting the pandemic.
“The vaccine is safe and is the best line of defence against Covid-19, this is a hugely significant moment in our pandemic response and offers hope at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.”
Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The arrival of the vaccine is the news we have all been waiting for and it is great to see those most vulnerable in our communities starting to receive the vaccine. However, this does not mean that we can now stop following restrictions, please continue to self-isolate and get tested when you need to, do not socialise indoors, wash your hands, wear a face covering where appropriate, and maintain a distance of 2m from other people.”