The NHS vaccination programme is now underway in Bassetlaw as part of the national roll out.

Vaccinations have started in Bassetlaw by vaccinating those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine. This is in line with national guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendations.

The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

It is expected that more vaccination centres and local vaccination services within the community will launch in the coming weeks once the sites have been approved and meet the safety criteria.

Mr Idris Griffiths, Accountable Officer, Bassetlaw CCG, said: “Healthcare professionals across the area have been working tirelessly over the last 10 months to care for the public and keep them safe throughout the pandemic.

“Now, as the roll out of the vaccination programme is underway, these healthcare professionals are continuing to care for the public to vaccinate us and keep us safe.

“We have been working closely as a system to roll out this programme of work over the last few months as part of a huge national effort to protect our patients against the virus. I would urge the public to come forward when they are called up for the vaccine and to make sure they attend their appointments. Please do not contact your GP or local hospital for a vaccine; you will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn.”

Patients will receive an invitation from their local practice, dependant on vaccine availability and be given an appointment day and time for their vaccination. It is very important to attend your appointment at the allocated date/time as the programme is not a drop-in service.

The vaccinations will be delivered in phases initially and as soon as Practices are able to invite you to be vaccinated, you will be contacted.

We ask that the public is patient with us and wait to be called forward as we undertake this massive vaccination programme.

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.