COVID Vaccination Programme Expanding in North Yorkshire

Tuesday, 22 December 2020 08:03

Health leaders in the county say more vaccination sites are being added.

COVID Vaccinations started being delivered in North Yorkshire last week from four sites health leaders say that number has increased this week and that the programme will expand further as the vaccinations continue over the festive period.

Amanda Bloor is the accountable officer for the North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group. She explains how the vaccine operation is says it's a seven day a week operation with bursts of activity happening at specific sites.

Amanda says there will be 12 sites delivering the vaccine in the county before Christmas and that the programme will continue to expand.

Amanda stresses it is important that people don't contact their local GP about receiving the vaccine in order to avoid overloading phone lines and staff and local surgeries.

“We understand patients’ enthusiasm to have the COVID vaccine, but it’s important those at most risk from coronavirus are vaccinated first. Please do not contact your local GP Practice or local hospital to ask for an appointment for a vaccination and please do not turn up at your surgery or hospital – the NHS will proactively contact individuals as part of the vaccination programme and nobody will miss out.”

"When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation to come forward. This may be via the phone, or through a letter either from your GP or the national booking system."

Patients will need two doses of the vaccine to get the best protection from coronavirus. The doses must be at least 21 days apart. NHS North Yorkshire CCG is asking people not to contact their practice for an appointment as patients will not be able to get one until they are contacted.