Surrey NHS Services Gear Up for Mass Covid Vaccinations

Published on: 30 Nov, 2020
Updated on: 30 Nov, 2020

By Martin Giles

Westminster has told the NHS in Surrey and across England to prepare for mass vaccination from December, so those who most in need can have their jab as quickly as possible.

First in the queue are care home residents and staff, followed by those aged 80 and over, then health and social care workers, before the rest of the population in order of age and risk.

The website of the large Guildford Guildown Group Practice states: “While we don’t expect a Covid-19 vaccine to be widely available until 2021, the government has asked the NHS to be ready.

“A prioritisation list has been produced for the vaccine to be delivered to groups who will need it first. The NHS will contact you when you are eligible to receive the vaccine and provide you with information about location and date.”

The priority groups are:
• Older adults in a care home and care home workers;
• Those 80 and over and health and social care staff;
• Those 75 and over;
• Those 70 and over;
• Those 65 and over;
• High-risk adults under 65;
• Moderate-risk adults under 65;
• Those 60 and over;
• Those 55 and over;
• Those 50 and over; and
• Rest of the population (priority to be determined).

Most patients are likely to get a letter, from their GP, the NHS or both, giving details of how to book appointments and options for where they can be vaccinated.

Given the need for social distancing, and the numbers involved, several sites are likely, including GP surgeries, other NHS buildings and/or designated vaccination sites.

Different vaccines are being developed and trialled to be approved for use so exactly when this might happen for each is yet unknown.

The Guildown website says: “A vaccine will not be approved and licensed until it is proven to be safe and effective.”

Angela Richardson MP for Guildford

Guildford’s MP, Angela Richardson, said: “I welcome the news of local preparations to roll out the vaccine.

“Nadhim Zahawi MP has been entrusted in a new vaccine deployment ministerial role and an additional two million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been purchased, bringing the UK’s dosage numbers to 357 million.

“As soon as the regulator gives the green light, our frontline NHS which has been truly fantastic, will be able to start with those prioritised. It’s been an incredibly difficult year for those in care settings, their family members and their carers.

“Regular visits to care homes again will be a great place to start for a nation that continues to hold its breath and hold on to hope after a very difficult year for all.”

Cllr Joss Bigmore

Council leader Joss Bigmore said: “Sites are still being confirmed but we are encouraged by developments in the creation of a vaccine and plans for mass vaccination. We are working very closely with the NHS to do everything we can to support the programme, particularly for those most in need.

“We have helped to protect our most vulnerable residents throughout the pandemic, with our Community Helpline which is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am till 5pm (4.30pm Friday) on 01483 444400, and we encourage anybody who needs support to get in touch. Stay safe and we will get through this together.”