First Covid vaccines delivered to city GPs

People aged 80 and over will be first in line in Sunderland to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

From to day, the city’s first GP-led vaccine centre will be open at the Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre.

The C ovid -19 vaccine roll out is the largest ever in NHS history, with Grindon Lane being the first of six GP-led centres opening across S underland.

The other five centres, the locations of which are unknown, will open as the vaccination programme expands over the coming weeks and months.

Dr Fadi Khalil, Sunderland GP and Medical Director of All Together Better Sunderland, has been leading the co-ordination of the first vaccines coming into the city.

He said: “The arrival of the first Covid-19 vaccine marks a decisive turning point in this global health pandemic and means we can begin to take the first steps on the long road to recovery and look ahead with real hope to the future.

“For many families in Sunderland, Covid-19 has had a devastating impact and the fact that we now have a vaccine is simply incredible and means we can protect those people in our communities who are most vulnerable and at risk.

“If you are aged 80 or over you will hear from us very soon and I would urge you all to take up the offer of the vaccine as soon as possible."

Healthcare leaders are asking for patience as they begin rolling out the vaccine, insisting people need to wait for an invitation from the NHS and not to contact their GP until they receive a letter.