Norfolk launches ‘massive push’ to vaccinate remaining over-50s
The vaccination programme has been a big success in the UK. - Credit: Charlotte Bond
Norfolk and Waveney is launching a “massive push” this weekend to vaccinate all remaining people in priority groups.
Whilst 54pc of the region’s adult population have already received the Covid vaccine, a new drive is targeting the remaining people aged over 50 and in other priority groups who have not already booked an appointment.
Around 88pc of over-50s in Norfolk and Waveney have already received the first dose of the vaccine but it has seen a drop-off in the number of coronavirus vaccines administered.
Health leaders are urging the rest to come forward by the end of this month to ensure they can be vaccinated before Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) gives the go-ahead to open up appointments to younger people in the “near future”.
North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group chairman Anoop Dhesi - Credit: Archant
Dr Anoop Dhesi, clinical chair and local GP, said: “We want to ensure that as many people are able to access a vaccination at their earliest convenience as it is one of the key things people can do to help protect themselves and others.
“We’re also keen that anyone over the age of 16 who is clinically extremely vulnerable that hasn’t yet had or booked their vaccine to contact their GP practice.”
Carole Smith, 82, has her Covid-19 vaccination administered by Helen Lloyd, senior nurse, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2020
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Following the success of the Beccles drop-in clinic last Sunday the vaccination programme is being altered to encourage people wanting to turn up for a weekend slot without having to make an appointment.
New additional clinics are also being set up to manage the expected demand for vaccinations over the coming days.
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In Swaffham, Manor Farm Medical Centre will offer a clinic on Friday (March 26) from 9am to 12.30pm, and on Saturday (March 27) from 8am to 12.30pm. No appointment is necessary for either day.
At Cromer Hospital, new weekly vaccination clinics start this Saturday, March 27. Book online in advance or just turn up between 10am and 2pm.
A drop-in vaccination service with no appointment necessary will also take place at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston on Sunday, March 28, 9am to 4pm.
Meanwhile, in west Norfolk, there will be a drop-in clinic with no appointment necessary at the Inspire Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, on Friday (March 26) from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
More will take place at Downham Market Town Hall on March 29, April 1 and April 5, from 8:30am to 2pm, with no appointment necessary.
One of the vaccination stations at the new vaccination centre at Bowthorpe. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2021
Cath Byford, Norfolk and Waveney CCG chief nurse, said: “We know that mid-week, daytime appointments don’t suit everyone so we have ramped up our weekend clinics and are providing walk-in vaccinations with no appointment necessary.
“It’s important that we get as many first doses done as possible before the expected short term dip in vaccine supply.”
