Vaccine roll-out begins for Nottinghamshire over-80s as NHS bosses ask others to wait their turn

Over the next few weeks, all residents aged 80 and over will receive a letter explaining how to book their appointment.

But health bosses are keen to stress that people should wait until they have received their letter before contacting the NHS, their GP or local hospital hub. The only way to get an appointment and the jab is to follow the instructions in the letter.

Amanda Sullivan, of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has ever undertaken. It is a huge challenge and one that has been rolled out at great pace.

“Our teams are working really hard but it’s important to remember this is only the first stage of the programme so we are learning and improving as we go.”

She added: “We understand many people are keen to see their family get the vaccine as soon as possible to protect them from getting seriously ill. We are urging the public to work with us and be patient.

“Details of how people over the age of 80 make their vaccine appointment have been shared and used among other, less vulnerable groups. If you see a message directed at an 80-year-old or someone who is most at risk, please don’t log on or pick up the phone unless you are calling on their behalf. We need to protect the appointments for those most in need.”

The mass vaccination programme began in early December at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham and King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton.

This month, staff across the county’s health and care system will start delivering vaccines into the community via GP surgeries and other community sites.

Dr John Brewin, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare said: “The recent rise in cases and emergence of a new variant of the virus shows that we cannot let our guard down now.

“NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as continuing to be there for everyone who needs care.”

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