Our local GP surgeries started working together to deliver cove vaccinations from the week before Christmas, and this work is continuing to run from Wigton Hospital. By the end of this week we will have given ~ 2,200 people at- risk and over 80, care home and healthcare staff their first vaccination. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been informed 6th January 2021 that the scheduled delivery of our second dose vaccination, week commencing 11th January 2021, has been postponed. It is with much regret that we now have to cancel all planned appointments that patients have to attend the Wigton Covid Vaccination Site next week. The new medical advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers is that the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 12 weeks after the first dose, and should be given towards the end of this 12 week period. While you will need two doses of the vaccine to get the best long-term protection from the virus, you will still have a significant level of protection at 22 days after you received the first dose. The new guidance will also help ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible. Please be reassured that there are no safety concerns in the new guidance, and it will not impact on how effective the vaccination is in protecting you from Covid-19 once the course is complete. Patients do not need to call their GP practices. They have already rescheduled your second vaccine appointment and this will be the week commencing 8th March 2021 on the same day of the week and at the same time of day as your original appointment was for the week commencing 11th January. We can only apologise on behalf of NHSE and the Government for any inconvenience or distress this may cause those patients affected, and if you have any concerns or questions regarding this matter please do not contact the practices as we need to keep our telephone lines available for patients seeking medical attention, and to make vaccination appointments for others. For questions and answers on these changes please visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination On Behalf of Aspatria Medical Group/ Caldbeck Surgery/ Castlehead Medical Centre/ Dalston Medical Group/ Wigton Medical Practice |