Fareham Borough Council is urging residents to be patient for their COVID-19 vaccination as an increasing number of people are calling the NHS or arriving uninvited at vaccination centres and causing unnecessary pressure on the service.
The NHS are vaccinating as many people as possible, as quickly as possible and is working closely with Fareham Borough Council to ensure that vulnerable residents and frontline workers receive the vaccination in a timely way.
Over six million people have been vaccinated to date and now that more than half of all over-80s have had the vaccination, the NHS will be offering it to the next most vulnerable groups – including the over-70s, health and social care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable. The full prioritisation list can be found on the government’s website.
Residents are reminded that they will be contacted by either phone or letter when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. At the first vaccination appointment, an appointment card will be issued stating the vaccine that was received and a second vaccination date. This will be in the same location as the first vaccination unless advised otherwise.
It is vital that Fareham residents do not call the NHS to enquire about vaccinations, that they attend their appointment once it is booked and that they continue to follow all the government guidance to control the virus and save lives. Please do not attend GP surgeries or vaccination centres seeking a vaccine before you receive an invitation as you will be turned away.
Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, Cllr Trevor Cartwright, said: “I fully understand that people are anxious to receive their coronavirus vaccination, especially if they are in a clinically vulnerable group or are a frontline worker. I want to reassure residents that they will be contacted when it is their turn to receive the vaccine and urge them not to cause unnecessary pressure on the NHS. Please be patient and adhere to lockdown restrictions.”
More information about the Coronavirus vaccination programme can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/coronavirus/vaccinations.aspx
