MP calls for more clarity over vaccination programme

A BRISTOL MP has demanded more information and clarity from the Government over the programme to roll out the coronavirus vaccine, after a GP surgery admitted it didn’t know the situation regarding the second booster jab.

Bristol South MP Karin Smyth spoke after the chief of the Ashton Gate vaccination centre said he was “awaiting further instructions” about a possible move to a 24-hour operation, and a doctors’ surgery nearby said it ‘just don’t know’ when people who have already had the first coronavirus vaccine will get their second. The Bristol South MP said that the Government have ‘not yet explicitly set out their expectations for the hub, or let those involved know when they will begin to receive supplies of vaccines to use’.

She said: “The Government must provide more details on who will be given what vaccine, where and when, so that those administering the vaccine and those receiving it can have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the rollout. I’ll continue to press for more clarity so that together we can roll out the vaccine and rebuild our country.”

Ms Smyth also highlighted a lack of information from the Department of Health about the procedures for people to receive their second coronavirus vaccination.

The Bridge View Medical Group, which runs a number of GP surgeries and health centres across South Bristol told patients yesterday morning that it did not know when second jabs would begin to be booked.

A message to patients said: “We understand why you are concerned but the simple truth is that we just don’t know.”