I have had a number of emails about the roll-out of a Coronavirus vaccine. I am delighted that two vaccines have now been approved for use in the UK enabling the first stage of the coronavirus vaccination programme.
The NHS has put extensive deployment plans in place for a widespread vaccination programme, which will be delivered in three ways: through hospital hubs, local community services including GP surgeries, and in due course by pharmacies and vaccination centres across the country.
We are still at a very early stage of the roll-out and at the moment, as I understand, most vaccines are being administered from hospital hubs. Major vaccination centres will start opening from next Monday. I will continue to press for more local centres to be be established urgently. I joined a call with the Minister for Vaccination this evening (Monday) and he outlined the plans for further localisation of the programme. He also explained that more will be done to give local areas accurate data on vaccination - both performed and in the pipeline - which at present is only available nationally. This is very important.
I know that we are all keen for vaccinations to happen as quickly as possible. I understand that GP surgeries have been organising vaccination appointments and have been prioritising recipients according to their clinical need. The surgeries will be arranging further vaccination appointments when they have more supplies. It is vital that the GP surgeries have up to date contact details for all their patients which will make sure that everyone can be contacted.
