Covid Vaccine Roll Out

From today those aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people and those aged 5 years and over with a weakened immune system will be offered an appointment for a seasonal coronavirus vaccine.

Those at highest risk will be offered an appointment first.

I know there has been some confusion regarding vaccination sites in the constituency for those eligible for Covid and/or flu vaccinations.

I have always loved autumn and we are heading into it with a vengeance.  However while Keats may have had it down as the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” in the early 21st century the colder mornings are also a reminder for those eligible to get prepared for winter!

Yesterday saw the launch of the autumn Covid booster campaign in England and Scotland.

The booster vaccine will be offered to:

-adults aged 50 and over

-people aged five to 49 with health conditions which put them at higher risk (including pregnant women)

Wednesday marks two years since the UK entered its first national lockdown. During the first lockdown and the subsequent two years of restrictions we all had to adapt to new ways of living, working and learning. 

Monday saw the start of the Covid-19 Spring booster programme for those most at risk. If you are over 75, live in a care home for older people or are over the age of 12 with a weakened immune system then the NHS will be in touch to book your Spring vaccine.

With, alas, two record breaking days in a row of Covid infections I am more convinced than ever that we are right to push the boosters as fast as possible and that the proportionate steps to help reduce Covid transmission earlier this week are justified.

Last weekend I visited the Roffey vaccine centre.  Alongside their colleagues at Christ‘s Hospital they are helping to deliver a very high local uptake for both the vaccine and booster. 

On the 8th December 2020, 90-year-old Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive a Pfizer Covid vaccination.

This kicked off the biggest vaccination programme in the country’s history and marked a moment of hope after months of restrictions and uncertainty.

I visited the teams back at Christ's Hospital delivering Covid booster jabs (alongside flu vaccinations where desired) to hundreds of local residents as part of the booster programe.