Vaccine roll out is ramping up
Almost 14,000 people in the Swansea Bay area have now received a Covid vaccination.
Frontline health and social care workers, many care home residents and some residents over the age of 80 who do not live in care homes have had their first dose.
There are around 24,000 people over 80 across our area and all will be offered a vaccination by their GP surgery or in their care home over the coming weeks.
We are on target to be able to vaccinate all care home residents with a first dose by the end of January and hope to be in the same position with all over 80s by the start of February.
So far we have received limited supplies of both the Pfizer BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines, but this is expected to ramp up significantly from next week.
A total of 3,500 Oxford vaccines – which is more suitable for community use as it’s easier to store and prepare - will be delivered to 35 GP practices this week.
Ten thousand vaccines will be delivered next week and again the week after, ensuring all 49 practices have supplies.
“Our GP surgeries are playing a vital role in what is the biggest vaccination programme ever seen in the NHS,” said Dr Anjula Mehta, Group Medical Director for Primary Community and Therapies Service Group.
“General practice teams are working incredibly hard to ensure the vaccine is delivered at pace and are focused on ensuring our most vulnerable groups are protected as soon as possible.
“However, efficient roll out of the vaccine is dependent upon timely supply which we are hoping to increase week by week.
“We are acutely aware this is a very anxious time for those patients waiting for the vaccine and their families, but we would like to assure them we are doing all we can to get them protected as soon as possible.”
She added: “Our message is please be patient. You or your loved one will be contacted by your GP surgery soon, either by letter or phone, to arrange an appointment for your vaccination.”
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