The Government has announced the next phase of the coronavirus vaccine scheme is to begin today - as people aged between 65 and 69, and the clinically vulnerable, are now being called up to receive the jab.
It comes after the NHS vaccinated more than 15 million people nationwide in the first four priority groups, which included those aged 70 and over, care home residents and staff, the extremely clinically vulnerable and NHS staff, in a matter of weeks.
Who will get the vaccine first?
The Government has said that GP-led vaccination sites will focus initially on the clinically vulnerable, 'because of the relationship between general practice and those with long term conditions, and continuity of care.'
However in some areas over 65s are already being invited to book an appointment.
What is the advice?
As the rollout is extended, those over 65 are advised to 'sit tight' and wait to be called up - while those in the over 70s age bracket who have not yet received their first jab are urged to book an appointment by going online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination - or by calling 119.
Across the UK, almost 1.2 million people will have received a letter on Saturday asking people to log on to the national booking service - and another 1.2 million letters are due to land on doormats this week.
If you are housebound, your GP will contact you to arrange a home visit.
How do I book?
Those who receive a letter will be invited to book online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination - or, if you're unable to access the web you can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
Should somebody aged 65 to 69 want to wait to be called by their local GP vaccination service or who have already received the jab they do not need to respond to their invitation.
What happens when I arrive for my vaccine?
People who book into a vaccine centre will be greeted by volunteers who will marshal car parks and register them when they arrive.
They will receive a health status check and a pre-vaccination assessment before they have their jab.
Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing and people who do book are being asked not to turn up early to avoid creating queues.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) defines clinically vulnerable people as those with:
- chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma
- chronic heart disease (and vascular disease)
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease
- chronic neurological disease including epilepsy
- Down’s syndrome
- severe and profound learning disability
- diabetes
- solid organ, bone marrow and stem cell transplant recipients
- people with specific cancers
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- asplenia and splenic dysfunction
- morbid obesity
- severe mental illness
People aged 70 or over should contact the national booking service if they have not yet had the jab, while health and care workers should speak to their employers.
What has been said?
Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “The NHS is working tirelessly to protect our loved ones from this terrible virus and I’m delighted the majority of people who are most at risk have now been offered a vaccine.
“Every jab in the arm is another step closer to returning to normality in the future and that’s why we are now inviting the next priority group to book their appointments.
“If you are aged 65 and over, sit tight and you will be contacted by the NHS soon to book an appointment. I encourage everyone invited to book their jab as soon as they’re contacted, so they can protect themselves and others from the virus.”
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