The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine is continuing at pace across some of the most rural towns and villages in the Vale of York thanks to the help and support of staff and volunteers within the South Hambleton and Ryedale Primary Care Network (PCN).

Dr Paula Evans, Clinical Director for South Hambleton and Ryedale PCN, said: “Our GP practices are working together in groups to deliver vaccinations as quickly as possible to our patients initially aged over 80 years and to invite them into a community centre to be immunised safely.

“GP-led sites have been developed by PCNs who have worked closely together to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations in their wider community locations. People who have been identified nationally by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as the highest priority will be invited first.

“Importantly, in the meantime we are asking everyone not to contact their GP practice or another NHS organisation to ask for their vaccination – or to request one for a member of their household or their carer. Our teams are working exceptionally hard to deliver the vaccination programme and need to focus on delivering the roll out, as well as continuing an effective primary care service.”

 A large vaccination centre has now opened at Askham Bar in York, which will be able to offer the vaccine to large numbers of people and is one of several places people can get their jab.

It is important for people to remember if you already have an appointment through your GP, or at a local hospital hub, please attend that appointment. This will prevent wasted appointments that the NHS cannot fill at short notice.

Dr Evans added: “The large vaccination centre in York is one of several places people can get their jab we want to be clear that this is just another option, if you can’t travel or you would rather wait for an appointment closer to home, you can choose to do that, and your local GP-led service will be in touch soon to offer an alternative.

“Our staff and volunteers 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.”

The public have an important part to play to help them do this:

• please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you; 
• when we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments; 
• and please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.

 

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