The local NHS has begun delivering an “early Christmas gift” this week, as care home residents across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire start to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
Residents at a number of care homes have been offered the vaccine this week, with the roll-out set to continue into the New Year.
Care home residents and staff are being prioritised along with people aged 80 and above in the first phase of the vaccination programme, the biggest in NHS history.
Dr Neil Kerfoot, a GP in South Gloucestershire, said:
“We are excited to have been able to begin vaccinating residents in their care homes this week.
“It’s been a significant logistical challenge to get to the vaccine out to care homes in this way, but by working together we are achieving it. This development will ensure that our most vulnerable are protected from coronavirus.
“Family doctors and other primary care staff have well established relationships with care homes and local communities. Our staff have pulled out all the stops to get this going before Christmas, working alongside our care home and Local Authority colleagues.
“The residents our doctors have spoken to this week have been delighted to receive the vaccine and are looking forward to life getting back to normal – although everyone recognises that will take a bit of time and we still need to do everything we can to limit the spread of the virus.”
The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. There is no need to contact your GP or local hospital.
