GP practices begin roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine in local communities

Groups of GP practices in Cheshire this week begin the crucial task of rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine in local communities.

Initially focusing on protecting those at highest risk, this follows the launch of the vaccination programme in hospitals on December 8^th.

In Cheshire, a local vaccination service went live in Winsford today (Tuesday, December 15^th) with Frodsham and Macclesfield to follow later in the week and further locations across the county set to start vaccinating as soon as possible in the coming weeks.

To help the NHS deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme effectively, the people of Cheshire are asked to follow this simple guidance:

• We will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine before then.
• When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them.
• Please continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Frodsham GP Dr Chris Ritchieson, Medical Director at Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership, said: “I am delighted that Cheshire West GPs are set to start rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine across local communities. Clearly, the sooner we are able to protect our most vulnerable residents, the better.

“Given the scale of the task, this will be a marathon, not a sprint, but we also know that every marathon starts with a single step.”

Knutsford GP Patrick Kearns, Medical Director at Cheshire East Integrated Care Partnership, said: “It is fantastic news that colleagues in Macclesfield will start vaccinating residents aged over 80 this week, with further locations in Cheshire East due to start vaccinating in the coming weeks.

“When you are invited to receive a vaccination, it is really important that you act upon it to help protect yourself and your loved ones and help us get on top of this awful virus.”

Alongside delivering a COVID-19 vaccine, GP practices across Cheshire will, of course, continue to offer routine appointments to those that need them.

If in any doubt about which local health service you need you are, however, advised to contact NHS 111 first – either by dialling 111 or online at: 111.nhs.uk

Pictured - Mr Geoff Greenhough (84), from Winsford, who this morning became the first person in Cheshire to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at a GP-led service.