Patience a virtue – but it’s difficult

The vaccination rollout in Chichester has been glacially slow and the main question I have been asked as mayor is why so slow and why no central Chichester vaccination centre?

I hope most of you have seen my latest open letter – no. 14 – which gives specific information for Chichester.

The vaccination rollout in Chichester is slow because it was planned that way.

I have had it confirmed we are in the sixth wave of seven rollouts in Sussex so virtually last.

I suspect it was because Chichester has always had some of the lowest infection rates in the country thanks to the way the Chichester community followed the rules and looked after each other.

I am pleased to say vaccinations at Tangmere and Selsey seem to be going smoothly from the reports of several friends over 80 who had been called. At least the train has left the station. Let us hope it is an express one and reaches its destination by February 15 with all top four priority groups having the first jab. I have been assured it will happen, so patience is needed.

So why no central location in Chichester? This is really down to the rules set down for rolling out the Pfizer vaccination which has been described as the science fiction vaccine, needing storage at -70 C and with a very short three-day shelf life.

Apparently none of the Chichester locations could comply with the rules set, not even the cathedral (lack of toilet facilities), the council house (no car parking) or other venues as they would be needed for a substantial length of time.

Believe me we have challenged these rules. Wider availability of the Astrazeneca vaccine could change those rules. I would like to thank all the local organisations for offering their premises as we all know Chichester has a higher proportion of people in the top four priority groups than elsewhere, many of which have been shielded since March, no means of transport and confused by the stay at home rules of the current lockdown.

Lockdown has seen rates of infection fall now in Chichester and I urge all to make their appointments. To be effective, 80 per cent of the vulnerable groups need to be vaccinated.

If you have questions and need transport phone the WSCC hub 033 022 27980.

At 71, I do hope my Valentine’s Day present will be a jab.

Patience is a virtue but difficult when everywhere else seems way ahead of Chichester.

CLLR RICHARD PLOWMAN Mayor of Chichester Worcester Road Chichester