‘You will not miss out’ – Derbyshire NHS body issues update on Covid vaccine amid concerns supply is slowing

In Nottinghamshire, the number of jabs being administered has been lowered this week as a result of "reduced supply” of the Covid vaccine.

This has led to concern among those living in Derbyshire with some reporting that they are struggling to book a vaccination appointment at a site near to them – including the Winding Wheel.

Derby and Derbyshire the CCG said fluctuations in vaccine supply had “on occasion” meant there were fewer appointments available to book but gave assurances that this will not be the case in coming days as vaccine supply is expected to increase.

“Vaccine supply has been a widely reported challenge as we move rapidly through our vaccination groups or cohorts, with each new cohort bringing increased demand,” a spokesperson for the CCG said.

"On occasion, fluctuations in vaccine supply have led to reduced numbers of appointments being available for booking.

"However, no booked appointments have had to be cancelled and, despite these challenges, vaccination teams across Derbyshire have vaccinated more than 40 per cent of the local adult population in less than 90 days.

"One of our highest priorities is to ensure people can be vaccinated as close to home as possible, and this has been the case for the vast majority of people.

“We have already begun administering first doses to people aged 55-59, and we are also delivering some second doses. We want to assure people that vaccine supply is expected to increase significantly in the coming days, which should ensure people can book their vaccination quickly at a convenient location.

“We ask people not to contact GP practices about getting a vaccination; please be patient and wait to be offered an appointment and then for time slots to become available. You will not miss out.”

The CCG previously said some first dose appointments were not available due to staff giving second doses and vaccinating housebound patients.

Public Health England reported that as of Wednesday, March 10, a total of 22,809,829 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine.

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