Local doctors urge people in priority groups 1-9 who haven’t booked their first Covid-19 vaccination jab to do so now.

Dr David Vickers, medical director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which runs the large scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“The vast majority of our vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough continue to vaccinate people over the Easter long weekend and beyond.  So if you are in an eligible group – meaning you are 50 or over, have a health condition that puts you at greater risk, or are a health or social care worker – and you haven’t booked your first dose yet, the time to do so is right now. 

“It’s quick and simple to book your vaccination at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119 free of charge.  Don’t forget to bring to your appointment some form of evidence that shows you are in one of the eligible cohorts.”

Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and local GP added:

“We’re making really strong progress with vaccinations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with over 349,000 doses already delivered to the most vulnerable cohorts.” 

“Scientific evidence has shown the vaccine is safe and effective and is successfully driving down hospitalisation and infection rates.  Local NHS teams are working hard to offer the first crucial dose of the vaccine to as many people in the top nine priority groups as possible by the middle of April.  We need people to take up this offer to keep everyone safe.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that are due to have their second dose to make sure they attend their appointment.”

Ends

Editors notes:

Cohorts 1-9 include:

• Anyone aged 50+
• Individuals who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (aged 18 and over)
• 18-65 year olds with long term conditions
• Health and social care staff
• Care home workers and residents
• Carers (aged 18 and over):  if you are a main carer of someone at high risk from coronavirus

Further information on cohorts 1-9 is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/who-can-get-the-vaccine/

Large Scale Vaccination Centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough open over the Easter weekend by appointment only are located at:

• the Arena and Events Centre, East of England Showground, Peterborough
• the City Care Centre Peterborough
• the Oak Tree Centre Huntingdon
• the Horsefair Shopping Centre Wisbech
• the Grafton Shopping Centre Cambridge
• the Priory Centre St Neots