GP-led coronavirus vaccination centre to invite patients in

SOUTH BUCKS: A new GP-led COVID vaccination centre is opening its doors in Burnham this week.

The new site will invite vulnerable patients aged 80 and over to receive their vaccine.

The centre is the last of the GPled sites in the county to open, meaning that registered patients at every GP practice in Buckinghamshire are now able to be invited for a vaccination appointment at one of the sites.

Alongside those aged 80 and over, staff in care homes are also being prioritised during the first rollout of the national vaccinations.

This is in line with the national Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) prioritisation programme.

At this stage, all patients eligible to have the vaccine will be contacted by the NHS first.

Those holding concessionary bus passes in the county will be able to use them at any time when travelling to their vaccination, including before 9am on Mondays to Fridays.

Dr Raj Bajwa, clinical chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "It is great to see this site in Burnham now open and able to offer vaccinations to the most vulnerable patients in the area.

“We continue to ask patients please not to contact their GP themselves but to instead wait for the NHS to contact them.

“Our GP practice staff continue to work incredibly hard to ensure that our most vulnerable patients are protected as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience and support.

“Other age groups and vulnerable patients will be offered the vaccination over the coming weeks and months, in line with the national priorities of this phased rollout.

“In the meantime, please follow all the safety guidance to protect yourself, your loved ones and your NHS services.”