Chesterfield GPs appeal to all over 70s residents to book in for Covid-19 vaccine this week

GP practices in Dronfield and Chesterfield are contacting all patients aged 70 and over to book them in for their first jab against coronavirus.

Vaccination clinics are being run at the Winding Wheel Theatre and Stubley Medical Centre next week in order to meet the Government’s ambitious target of having 13 million vulnerable people vaccinated against Covid-19 by mid February.

The drive to ensure all people aged 70-years-old and over are contacted to book their first injection against the infectious disease is to meet the Prime Minister’s deadline of having the top four priority vaccine groups immunised – including care home residents and staff.

A designated call centre has been set up by the Primary Care Network in Chesterfield and Dronfield where patients can call in seven days per week, between 9am and 4pm on 01246 903225 to book their appointments.

Overall, a total of 40,000 patients have now been vaccinated at the Winding Wheel Theatre, after it opened as one of the county’s latest vaccination sites on Thursday, January 14.

The town’s theatre initially carried out immunisation jabs for healthcare workers – while patient vaccinations took place at the nearby Wheatbridge Surgery, which has a car park and was considered more accessible for elderly residents.

Next week, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is expected to be delivered to GPs and clinics in and around Chesterfield, which means the injections have to be used before February 20.

It comes after concern from Primary Care Networks that vaccines could be wasted following current guidance which does not allow for any patients to be vaccinated below the age of 69 and three quarters.

Several clinics at the town’s iconic theatre are still not yet fully booked up, however the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccines have not been disposed yet as they can be kept for a longer period of time than the Pfizer/BioNTech jabs.

A Primary Care Network spokesperson said: “So far, the team has done a brilliant job and we have vaccinated approximately 40,000 patients.

"The Winding Wheel got off to a late start but has powered through.

"We want to encourage as many as possible to get in touch.”

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