An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from the coronavirus.
Following extensive trials and authorizations by the regulator, the MHRA, effective COVID-19 Vaccines are now available for free and there are sites across Warrington & Halton currently delivering the vaccinations. GP practices across the borough are working together in groups to deliver the vaccines as quickly as possible. Initially the vaccines are being delivered to people over the age of 80. Practices will invite those eligible into one of the four community vaccination hubs in Warrington and Halton to be immunised safely. In addition, people are also being invited to receive vaccinations at hospital hubs, national mass vaccination centres and pharmacy sites.
The NHS understand that people are eager to get their vaccines as soon as possible and you may feel frustrated that you or a loved one hasn’t yet been offered a vaccine. They are committed to vaccinating those most at risk first, and those who work closest with them. Care home residents and staff followed by people over 80 and health and social care workers, then other people in order of age and risk. If you fall into the high priority groups and haven’t yet been contacted about your vaccine, please be reassured the NHS or your GP will be in touch.
What can you do to support our local NHS?
- Do not contact your practice to seek a vaccine, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn.
- The NHS is working as hard as possible to deliver the vaccine, but the speed does depend on supplies of the vaccines received.
- The NHS wants to protect you as many people as possible, not everyone will be a suitable candidate for the vaccine, for example women who are pregnant, children and people with certain medical conditions or those at risk of serious allergic reactions.
- If you are contacted about getting your vaccine, please attend you appointment.
Important information about new NHS mass vaccination centres
Mass vaccination centres have been set up by the NHS and are running in addition to local GP-led vaccination programme in Warrington and Halton.
Some residents aged over 80 may have received a letter inviting them to book a vaccination at one of the vaccination centres, which may have caused confusion.
The first batch of letters began arriving on doormats across the country last week having been sent to those who live around 30 to 45 minutes’ drive from one of the new sites.
The aim is to offer as many options people to get vaccinated, but those who don’t want to attend one of the sites, you will still be able to have your vaccine from the local GP-led service and will be directly contacted by your GP in the coming weeks.
The NHS is rolling out additional services quickly, but it is important that the public don’t try to book or go to these services before they receive a booking letter. When you receive your letter the NHS ask you to make sure you attend.
Vaccine scams
The NHS is aware that people have been receiving suspicions calls and texts offering the vaccine.
The vaccine are only available from the NHS. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer or a GP surgery close to you. The vaccine is free and at no point will you be asked to pay.
The NHS will never ask for bank or card details, pin or banking password.
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies or personal documents such as your passport, driving license, bills or pay slips.
The NHS ask if you receive a suspicions call you should hang up. If you believe you have been a victim of Fraud or identity theft you should report it directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house you should report it to the police either online or by calling 101.
